In the shadow of a city consumed by rumors of Zeral's unparalleled might, four soldiers dared to approach him, the Silver Sabertooth. As they closed the distance, the air seemed to thicken with tension, an invisible barrier warning them of the perilous encounter they were about to initiate.

Meanwhile, in a desolate forest near the city, the wounded echoes of a father's struggle resonated. His battered figure emerged, every labored breath carving a tale of desperate survival. His body, a canvas painted in his own life force, bore witness to a solitary battle against the monstrous invaders. Yet, amid the agony, his only concern was for his son. The father's heart raced, a cruel percussion accompanying his journey back to the city walls.

Upon reaching the perceived safety of the walls, the father's hope transformed into a nightmarish reality. A tiny, broken form lay torn asunder, the remains of his beloved son. In that moment of brutal revelation, screams and tears merged into a symphony of grief, unraveling the very fabric of the man's soul. Desolation overcame him as he clung to the fractured body of his child, a tableau of tragedy etched in the forest's silent witness.

Returning to the unfolding drama with Zeral, the soldiers approached with a mix of trepidation and determination. Aiden, the first soldier, initiated the conversation with a respectful tone, seeking words with the enigmatic figure. Zeral, initially dismissive, continued his relentless stride

"Hey, can we have few words with you sir?"

prompting Jack, the second soldier, to explain their royal mandate.

"Sir, I'm Jack a soldier from city of Ozgan, I had a task from the King himself which is to find you and talk to you, so could you please listen to us?"

Then Aiden add to that by saying "Yes, we are looking for you just to talk nothing more"

Zeral eyed the soldiers with skepticism, his silver skin glinting in the pale sunlight. He leaned casually against a nearby ruined wall, his sword at his side.

Zeral leaned forward, a challenging glint in his eyes. "Well? Don't be shy. Ask your questions."

Jack cleared his throat, trying to be friendly as he took a step closer. "We mean no harm, really. We've heard tales about you, and we're just curious."

Zeral responded with sarcasm, "Curiosity killed the cat, or in this case, the human."

Martin grinned, undeterred. "Look, we're just soldiers trying to survive in this messed-up world. We heard stories, and we thought, why not hear it from the immortal himself?"

Raising an eyebrow, Zeral found their survival angle interesting. "Survival, you say? Interesting."

Aiden chimed in with curiosity, "So, about that immortality. How did it happen? Is it a magical thing or more of a curse?"

Zeral, with a mysterious smile, replied, "Magic, curses, and blessings are just words, my friend. What matters is the journey."

Jade, nervously, brought up his unique silver skin. "Your silver skin... It's unique. How did that happen?"

Reflectively, Zeral responded, "A reminder of the past, as I said. A price paid for something lost."

The soldiers, still cautious but seemingly more at ease, continued their conversation with Zeral. The backdrop of the desolate city added a haunting atmosphere to their encounter, and the air was filled with an unspoken tension as they delved into the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic figure before them.

Jack, a soldier from the city of Ozgan, took a step forward, his expression earnest. "I'm from the city of Ozgan, and I've received orders from the general to search for you and discuss some matters. So, here's the first question: What's your name? And where did you come from?" His voice carried a sense of duty and curiosity, eyes focused on Zeral, awaiting his response.

Zeral start laughing at Jack as he saying "What's next how old I'm? Hahaha, Hell if I even know that as well so listen to me soldier, I'm not here to befriend with anyone I'm here to find the answers to what happened to the city of Batrak?"

Jack, maintaining a serious demeanor, responded, "Alright, sir. We'll respect your privacy. But we need to follow our orders too. Just a few more questions, and we'll leave you in peace."

Zeral, still amused, replied, "Fire away, then. But make it quick."

Jack continued with a question: "Bartak, you say? That place is a tragedy, a dead city. Nobody knows what happened there. Some say it was monsters, others claim it was a curse. What makes you so interested in that forsaken place?"

Zeral, with intensity in his voice, asserted, "I have my reasons. The dead city holds secrets, and I intend to unveil them."

Martin, expressing curiosity, chimed in, "Secrets? What kind of secrets could a dead city hold?"

Zeral, being cryptic, responded, "The kind that goes through time. The kind that haunts the immortal."

Aiden, intrigued, posed another question, "So, you're on some sort of personal quest. Is that it?"

Zeral, in a vague but serious tone, concluded, "You could say that. Now, if you're done, I suggest you leave me be. Your orders are fulfilled. And tell your king I'm Zeral and don't you dare to get in my way."

The soldiers exchanged glances, realizing that extracting more information might not be as simple as they thought.

As the soldiers conversed, a sense of wonder crept over them, the name Zeralizion getting in their thoughts like a distant memory.

Jade, expressing puzzlement, asked, "Zeral? like the legendary Zeralizion? Sounds like an ancient name, doesn't it? But why would someone go by that name?"

Martin, appearing enlightened, interjected, "Wait a minute, Jade might be onto something. Zeral could indeed be a derivative of Zeralizion, which translates to 'The Silver Sabertooth' from the books of the old, and Zeral is the word for silver if I remember it correctly, it describes his silver-colored skin."

The soldiers exchanged glances once more, a shared realization dawning upon them. The mysterious man they confronted, seemed to carry a connection to a forgotten language, a link to a time when meanings were woven into names.

As the soldiers mulled over the peculiar name Zeralizion, the man in question, Zeral, nonchalantly turned away, resuming his journey through the grim streets of Palin. His strides were deliberate, and his silver skin seemed to absorb the ambient light, casting an otherworldly glow.

While the soldiers continued their discussion, Jack couldn't shake off the intrigue that enveloped Zeral. With a determined spirit, he took a few steps forward, calling out to the mysterious figure.

Jack, approaching cautiously, said, "Hey, Zeral! Wait a minute. The king would like to invite you to his castle. Will you come with us?"

Zeral paused for a moment. The invitation lingered, creating a subtle tension in the cold, still atmosphere.

Zeral's response carried a potent mix of anger and resentment. His voice, like a cold gust of wind, cut through the somber air of Palin.

Zeral with anger in his face "I have no king to serve anymore! I used to be his bravest warrior, but he left me for dead. I will never bow to him again, and I don't follow, neither care about Hirvan's quest to end humanity."

The soldiers, taken aback by the intensity of Zeral's words, stood silent for a moment. Yet, Zeral, in his own enigmatic way, extended a semblance of compassion.

"Go and search for that injured man and his dead kid in the east woods. If you can, bury them properly. Shame on you all calling yourselves soldiers of Antorya"

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then he added to that "I fought in the 100 years war and the iconic beast in the mountains. I did my best back then and now you should. There's nothing more for me here." As he continued his solitary journey through the desolate streets, the soldiers were left with a sense of bewilderment, grappling with the enigma that was Zeral as he walked away.

In the grand throne room of King David the 7th, the air was thick with a sense of urgency. The grandmaster of druids, adorned in ancient, flowing robes that seemed to carry the essence of nature itself, made a solemn entrance. The stone walls felt with the subtle rustle of leaves that clung to his attire. The generals, standing alongside the imposing throne, shifted their focus to the visitor.

The grandmaster's presence exuded an aura of profound connection with the mystical forces. As he approached the throne, the gentle fragrance of herbs and the earth accompanied him, creating an ethereal ambiance.

The king, seated on his ornate throne with an air of both authority and weariness, observed the druid with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The generals exchanged glances, uncertain of the news the grandmaster brought.

The grandmaster's eyes, a deep well of ancient wisdom, met the king's gaze, and with measured solemnity, he began to deliver the message that held the weight of unseen forces and ancient prophecies.

"My dear king, when I heared that you were seeking for answeres about this mysterious immortal human you wrote in the letters you send. I had to come here to tell you about him." The king stare at him and then he says "Yes sure, go ahead"

the grandmaster then start to tell the tale about the original Zeralizion" my lord, I heard the story of the immortal man been written in the old book that Hirvan got from our grandmaster decades ago! when I was with Hirvan studying alchamy" then one of generals named Erik interrupts him saying "Witchcraft you mean!"

The grandmaster, undeterred by the interruption, continued with a voice that resonated with the reverberation of time. "Yes, alchemy, the ancient craft of transformation. Zeralizion, the original bearer of silver skin, was not a result of witchcraft but a convergence of mystical forces. The old books speak of a warrior who, in the throes of battle, encountered a mythical Silver Sabertooth. The creature, sacred and ancient, perished in the clash, and its essence merged with the warrior, bestowing upon him the unique attributes of silver skin and immortality."

Erik's skepticism lingered in the air, but the grandmaster pressed on, sharing the prophecy foretelling the return of Zeralizion in a time of great peril. The generals exchanged glances, grappling with the weight of the revelation.

The grandmaster's tale wove through the annals of time, painting a vivid picture of Zeralizion's tragic transformation. With each word, the room became a canvas for the ancient saga.

"In the primordial days, Zeralizion lived as a humble caveman, content in the simplicity of his existence. The mantle of immortality, gifted by the Silver Sabertooth, elevated him to an ethereal status. Yet, humanity, gripped by fear and misunderstanding, sought to extinguish this divine flame. In their misguided attempts, they took the lives of Zeralizion's cherished family, leaving him consumed by grief and rage."

As the grandmaster spoke, the generals and the king absorbed the gravity of the tale, their expressions shifting between sorrow and realization.

"Enveloped by a newfound darkness, Zeralizion transformed into a vengeful force, unleashing his wrath upon those who had wronged him. The once benevolent immortal now became a guardian of the caves, a spectral figure haunting the mountain's shadows. He vowed to protect the memories of his lost kin and, in doing so, condemned any unwitting soul who dared to trespass on his sacred grounds."

The room hung in silence, the weight of the legend settling upon them like a heavy shroud. The grandmaster's, revealing a tale of sorrow, revenge, and an immortal's solitary vigil over the past.

the general Erik questioned the druid asking "Such tale only exists in kids books! and you want us to believe this crap? grow up, old man! there is no evicence of a man can turn to animal. The Silver Sabertooth was just an unordinary animal and thats all. so why did u come here? to bore us with this?"

Erik's suspicion resonated through the hall, challenging the credibility of the ancient tale. The grandmaster, undeterred by Erik's dismissive tone, responded with a measured yet resolute demeanor.

"Belief, General Erik, is a subjective pursuit. The annals of history hold secrets that defy the grasp of mundane understanding. I come not to entertain, but to shed light on the enigmatic events that unfold around us. Zeralizion's tale is not confined to the pages of children's books, it is etched into the fabric of our reality, a testament to the complexities that intertwine the mundane and the supernatural."

As the grandmaster spoke, the generals exchanged glances, torn between disbelief and an inkling of curiosity. But, King David, sitting atop his throne with a furrowed brow, interrupted the grandmaster's narrative. His gaze bore into the aged druid, a mix of impatience and curiosity in his eyes.

"What's the point of this tale, Grandmaster?" the king demanded. "Why have you come here? We are embroiled in a war that threatens our very existence. Your stories and legends won't mend the wounds inflicted by the monsters. Enlighten us on the relevance of this ancient history to our present struggles."

The king's voice, though tinged with frustration, held an underlying tone of authority. The generals and advisors, attentive to the unfolding conversation, awaited the grandmaster's response with anticipation.

The grandmaster, with a sense of haste and fear underscoring his words, addressed the king in an attempt to explain his association with Hirvan and the unforeseen consequences.

"My lord, I wanted to inform you this because you must understand that Hirvan was initially meant to return with Zeralizion's blood and use knowledge from his ancient book to create an immortal elixir for you."

Before the grandmaster could delve further, Erik interjected with accusations and suspicions, claiming collusion between the druid and Hirvan.

"Aha! See, he's conspiring with him! He just called him by his name and knew his plans to betray you, my lord," Erik exclaimed, his anger palpable.

The king, however, silenced Erik with a raised hand, signaling for the druid to continue.

Ignoring the interruption, the grandmaster went on, "No, I didn't know he would turn against you and use that blood in such a form. Although I warned him about the effects of his experiment, he always trusted his book and insisted on testing the elixir on animals before presenting it to you. I don't know what happened there to make him change his plans..."

Erik, undeterred, interrupted once more, vehemently proclaiming the druid a liar,

"Liar! Liar! his intetntion was to betray the king from the start. He hold the grudge against our king and this is all his plans. He knew this will happen and I think you do too"

while other generals agreed to his sentiments. The king, maintaining an air of authority, signaled for the grandmaster to proceed with his explanation.

The grandmaster, with sincerity in his eyes, swore an oath upon his life.

"I didn't know about that, I swear, my lord. I'm here to offer my assistance. When you spoke of this mysterious immortal man, it dawned on me that it can indeed happen. Hirvan was right about the immortality, and the book he possesses holds the secret to defeating him. The same potion he created from that ancient text could work on him too, thus ending his reign and saving us all."

The grandmaster, with a glimmer of hope in his voice, responded to the king's inquiry.

"I know, my lord, that Hirvan took the original book with him, and he might be the only one who possesses it. However, what you may not be aware of is that Hirvan had another copy of the book, scribed by a different druid in the city of Polikar. This druid wrote it years ago during the war and guarded it until his death. Unfortunately, we don't know the exact location of his demise, as Polikar was invaded by your forces. But I presume that the book remains hidden somewhere. Even Hirvan is unaware of its location because he planned to send some druids to retrieve it shortly before revealing the Zeralizion story to you."

The king, perplexed, asked another question, "Why didn't you inform me of this over the past ten years?"

The grandmaster, with a tinge of sadness, replied,

"How could I have informed you about the book when fear permeated our hearts in Eline? What if I had advised you to search for it, and your men got killed? You might have blamed us and executed me along with my fellow druids. Especially with this general by your side, harboring hatred toward us, I couldn't risk our lives for this. Erik is correct in his concerns, but you should understand that our primary goal was self-preservation. We feared for our lives in those tumultuous times."

Erik interjected once again, "Yes, you are damn right! He should die right now for hiding this."

The king swiftly halted Erik, asserting, "That's enough, Erik! Grandmaster, before you continue, you must understand that I didn't imprison you there. I placed you all in Eline for the safety of this kingdom."

The grandmaster, acknowledging the clarification, spoke with a sense of urgency, "Alright. Now that you've learned about the emergence of an immortal human walking around, it's the right time to reveal our quest to find this book. If we succeed, we can win against Hirvan, who is slaughtering all druids outside Elin. I believe he hasn't found the second book either."

Facing the qualms from Erik and the other generals, they raised a valid question, "Why should we trust you now? Why should we send our men on a quest to seek this book? The king trusted Hirvan, and he turned on us."

The grandmaster responded with conviction, "Hirvan is killing all druids. He hasn't turned any of them into monsters. He seeks to end us because he knews that we can read his book if we find it so we are threat for him therefore we all condemns him for all his crimes against humanity. All druids despise him and reject his name. He has betrayed the core principles of the druids, forsaking knowledge and teaching for revenge and bloodshed. That's why we want to put an end to this, to ensure our safety and rid ourselves of this shame."

The king promised the grandmaster, "Alright, go and conduct your search. Once you have a location you suspect this book to be, give it to my generals, and I'll send my men to retrieve it, no matter the cost. If this truly ends the war, I promise you freedom, lands, and a wealth of gold. You and the druids will live without fear as long as I am alive."

The grandmaster, with a smile, replied, "All we need is peace. I genuinely hope I can help you achieve immortality, ensuring peace in this world. I stand with you, my king, and I will do my best to find this book."

The king smiled back, saying, "Immortality, hmm? That was the reason for all this suffering, but indeed, you will have peace afterward."

Erik glowered with anger, staring at the grandmaster, and then declared, "If you lie or trick my king, I will kill you myself."

As the king ordered everyone to leave, he instructed Erik to stay. As the grandmaster walked out, he turned to Erik and said,

"I know why you hate us so much, but please don't let it blind you from the peace we seek. A peace that your family needed back then, taken by blinded druids in the name of revenge."

He left with rest of generals, leaving Erik alone with the King to simmer in anger before the king's soothing voice called out,

"Erik, let's talk, my dear friend."

The end.