Zeral and the king, along with their men, continued their march through the hills of the capital raiding their horses expect Zeral who was in foot. The air crackled with the intense heat of the hellstorm surrounding them. Zeral, with a smirk on his face, made a jest, "Time to get a bath in hellstorm."

The druid, astonished by Zeral's ability to walk through the flames unharmed, remarked, "That is unbelievable. He has indeed become the legendary creature..."

One of the generals, turning to the druid, voiced his concern, "I hope the special water you brought and delivered to our soldiers can help put off this ongoing fire..."

The druid responded confidently, "Yes, don't worry. It will work, and this fire will be extinguished."

The group pressed forward, the flames dancing around them as they moved through the hellstorm. The king, observing Zeral's peculiar talents, couldn't help but ask, "Zeral, how is it that you walk through the flames unscathed?"

Zeral, with a mysterious smile, replied, "Some things, my king, defy the logic of men. I have a unique connection with the elements, a gift that has become both my shield and my sword."

The king nodded, acknowledging the enigma that was Zeral. As they approached the heart of the hellstorm, the shadows of the flames flickered ominously, hinting at the challenges that awaited them in the fiery depths.

The group continued their march, and as they walked through the swirling flames, the inquisitive general couldn't contain his curiosity. He turned to the druid and asked, "Why did the grandmaster send a young apprentice like you? And what's with the difference in your attire and symbols compared to him?"

The druid sighed, feeling the weight of the unspoken rules he was about to break. He glanced at Zeral, who was listening intently, and then addressed the group, "We aren't allowed to discuss much about our orders and traditions, but it seems I have no option but to reveal some secrets, especially with Sir Zeral staring at me all the time..."

The king, sensing the internal struggle within the druid, stepped forward and said, "Speak, we are allies on this journey, and trust must be our foundation."

The druid nodded appreciatively and continued, "I know, but if I stay silent like the druids do, I may end up dead. So, I will try to answer as much as I can." The king assured the druid that nothing would happen to him under their protection.

"Everyone calls us druids, but in reality, we are just people of knowledge. We serve only to learn, discover, and create things for a better world. That is our purpose. However, since people can't understand us, and their refusal to change has stained our history, we've kept everything in secret for centuries," the druid explained.

Zeral, still intrigued, asked, "And what about the difference in symbols and attire?"

The druid hesitated for a moment before revealing, "The symbols and attire are a form of hierarchy among us. The grandmaster and the higher-ranked druids bear distinct symbols and wear specific garments, signifying their elevated status and wisdom. I am but an observer, sent here to learn and observe the unfolding events."

The general, eyeing the peculiar symbols on the druid's attire, inquired, "So, what does that thing you have in your symbol? A weird shape and an eye?"

The druid, running his fingers over the emblem, began to explain, "I can't speak a lot about its origins, but as I understand, this shape is what we call a triangle. We use it in our studies to determine things in space. I can't explain much of it since it is really complicated, but this symbol also represents the cycle of life of knowledge. It gives birth here, then grows, then dies with us, and is reborn with someone else to keep the cycle." everyone listened quietly as the druid continues.

"As an observer, I'm still learning and carrying the words of the ancients. Others, like the enlightened ones, can create new methods and discoveries, while the creators bring things to life from our studies. Hirvan, for example, used to be a great creator under the eldest grandmaster who died years ago. Now, our current grandmaster, the one who oversees us all, has more symbols than me, and each one has a specific meaning. Sorry, but that's all I can say about it."

The king, appreciating the druid's willingness to share, said, "You've shared enough, and truly, thanks for answering this."

The druid responded, "It's your duty as king to restore the druids' trust, like many kings before. We've been in aid of the kings for centuries before the Hundred Wars happened."

Zeral interrupted abruptly, saying, "That war happened because of one of your people's plans. Hirvan told me the truth."

The druid quickly defended, "I heard that, but it was only a letter written between two druids. There is no evidence of the plot being accepted by the grandmasters. This is the same issue with the destruction of Batrak. There is no evidence or intel about the reason or who did it, which is strange. An operation of that scale was kept very secret between a few druids, even the grandmasters didn't know. Otherwise, we would have known about it as well. It remains a mystery, but I agree such an event could happen by my people."

Zeral, seemingly angry, retorted, "You're still a young boy, you don't know anything yet. But I'm sure it was one of your people."

The king intervened, trying to calm the tension, "We will find out somehow, don't worry."

The druid finally admitted, "I am sure we will. Our grandmaster gave orders to seek every letter and book we had that included mention of such events. I was lucky to be chosen to come out for the first time and see the beauty of the lands. The last time I was out, I was a kid, but then I had to live inside the city walls. I can see how beautiful the world is," he said, looking around, then added, "I hope someday the hate will be gone from this beautiful world."

The group absorbed the information, the air around them thick with the weight of centuries-old secrets finally unveiled. The journey through the hellstorm became not only a physical trial but also a revelation of hidden truths that would shape the course of their quest.

As they walked through the ruins of Faxon, a destroyed city that Zeral reluctantly admitted to destroying, one of the generals pointed to the devastation and asked, "Is this Batrak?"

Zeral, a sense of shame in his voice, corrected, "No, this is Faxon, a small city. It got hit by holy power." All eyes turned to him, and he continued, "Ah, it was me! Damn it. Let's keep moving. Batrak is near, to the north after the river."

The king, looking at the wreckage, said with a nostalgic tone, "Yes, I know. It's the same road I used to take years ago. It brings back a lot of memories."

The druid, seizing the opportunity, approached the king and respectfully asked, "My lord king, I beg your pardon, but can I ask if this peace can finally happen between you and that cursed Hirvan. Can we finally go out and live wherever we want like in the old days? or we shall stay in the Elin?"

Zeral quickly turned and insulted, "Ah, you rats were hiding in Elin all this time! A small city like Faxon will be easily destroyed by me if I want to."

The king interrupted Zeral, saying, "Please stop, Adomas. No more talk of killing. Look at this white flag that symbolizes peace. We are here for peace, no more killing. Yes, they are in Elin, and I put them there to protect them and keep an eye on them at the same time. Half of my generals disagree with my idea of letting them go after this war, but I still want them to be free. So, my child, what's your name?" The king turned his attention to the druid.

The druid responded, "You can call me Leo."

The king continued, addressing Leo, "After the peace is officially formed, I promise you will live in peace wherever you want. You can go and live and see the beauty of the world as much as you like. But remember, don't get involved in any plots that can harm the kingdom because I will not stop Zeral from killing anyone who wants to disturb the peace and bring conflicts again."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Zeral's hostility lingered as he warned, "I hope they won't have more evil plots after this peace is made."

Leo nodded and said, "I understand, my lord, and thanks my fair king."

Zeral, still skeptical, warned Leo again, "Don't think this changes anything. You druids have a lot to prove."

Leo, the druid, responded to Zeral's skepticism with a calm assurance, "Yes, I know, but we will try to improve humanity like we always do. We aim to help heal and create new things that will benefit all of you. Historically, we used to aid kingdoms in advancing and creating new, interesting things. As my grandmaster always says, the true power of this world isn't the power of army or gold, it is the power of knowledge."

The king nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of knowledge. "Yes, that's true. With intelligence, we can avoid being blind to the threats around us. That's what happened ten years ago. I couldn't see Hirvan's betrayal, the rise of his monsters, and even the destruction of Batrak until it happened. I couldn't prevent it. I have read about the crucial role of the druids in keeping kings informed about everything in the past. That's why I want to restore that so that no more devastating events can happen in the future."

As they continued their journey, a sense of understanding and cooperation settled among the group. The path ahead was filled with challenges, but with the combined strengths of the king, Zeral, and Leo, there was hope for a future where the power of knowledge would guide them towards peace and prosperity.

As they crossed the river, nearing Batrak, a general couldn't resist delving into more mysteries about the druids. "Wait, earlier, you said the grandmaster is the leader of all druids, but I thought there was someone above that who controls all grandmasters?"

The king, recalling a piece of history, added, "Yes, I heard from my father that there was a man who gave orders to grandmasters too. He was called the Supreme, if my memories didn't deceive me."

Zeral quickly seized the opportunity to express his skepticism, "Aha! See, another mystery added to their list of shadow doings."

The druid, with a smile, responded, "Yes, we have a Supreme Grandmaster, but with different names too, like the Father of Knowledge, the Lord Seer, and the Great One. And that isn't a mystery, but there is no information about him, as he doesn't appear or speak to anyone except grandmasters. They are the only ones who have seen him, and he lives far from us. But the last Supreme was lost before the Monsters War even started. The last I remember, the grandmaster sent letters to him to stop Hirvan from giving the idea to King David about the Zeralizion's immortality, but he never answered back, thus Hirvan continued his plan and the rest of the events as you know them. Since then, the word is he died, and no one is chosen to be the Supreme Grandmaster after him."

Zeral, now fully engaged in the revelation about this mysterious figure, pondered, "So this man knows everything about grandmasters' plans? With his words, could he have stopped Hirvan from going to hunt that damned beast a decade ago? So, I'm sure he could have had a hand in destroying Batrak or even plotting to kill Hirvan in the cave, because I was there when one of the commanders said, 'These orders were from the king.' But I couldn't see the commander's face, so I can't confirm if he was one of the king's men or someone doing the druids' agendas."

The king, agreeing with Zeral, said, "It's strange how one of my commanders disobeyed me and used my words in such a situation, unless he was stupid and greedy to get all the blood for himself and ended up as a monster or even dead. Since Hirvan's original plan was to reproduce the immortality essence from this blood after he add other herbs and fluids, but he is the only one with that book."

The druid answered, "Yes, he is the only one with that book, given by the old grandmaster to protect. Also that is right he supposed to create the essence the way he said althought I don't know how exactly as it is beyound my level. But I heard this book was originally created by the last Supreme Grandmaster, and they are the only ones who write books or establish the books from the grandmasters to be valid. As I head many refused this particular book since it has a lot of myths and legends about that beast in the mountain but since it was written by the father of knowldege hismelf then it was apporved directly by him."

The group, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of the flowing river, made their way across the sturdy wooden bridge that spanned the water's breadth with their horses. The river, its surface reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun, whispered ancient tales of the lands it had traversed. The air was filled with a serene calmness, a stark contrast to the fiery tumult they had left behind in the hellstorm.

As they traversed the bridge, the distant murmur of the river gradually gave way to the rustling of leaves and the melodic chirping of unseen birds. The transition from the open expanse to the embrace of the dense forest marked the beginning of their journey into the heart of the wilderness.

The towering trees, their branches intertwined like guardians of an ancient secret, cast dappled shadows on the path beneath. A carpet of fallen leaves, their colors ranging from earthy browns to vibrant reds, crunched beneath their feet, adding a symphony of natural sounds to the journey.

"I'm sure the grandmaster has already told you about the story of the Zeralizion. Only book that contains stories about things we can't believe. Immortality itself believed to be impossible but then we found out about the true power of Zeral, now we know that not everything is can be proven to be true." the druid continues talking about the book.

Zeral asked, "So he can write whatever he want and everyone must believe his words also can give orders to any druid therefore, the question remains could this Supreme Grandmaster be behind all of this?"

The druid, with fear in his voice, admitted, "I have no idea. There is no evidence of anything about this. We didn't hear anything about him for years before the long war was over. The common belief is that he died, and since we scattered around the kingdom, we couldn't choose the next Supreme Grandmaster. So, I think it is impossible unless somehow he was sleeping all these years, and all of a sudden, he wakes up to destroy Batrak and try to kill Hirvan."

The king said, "Alright, I will ask Hirvan if I have a chance to meet him about who was the commander who used my word. I'm sure the druids will find out more about Batrak, and these mysteries will be solved someday."

Zeral, seemingly calm, added, "I hope so. And here we are, we finally arrive at the city that used to be my home."

As the group entered the remnants of Batrak, a once-thriving city that stood as a symbol of power, the scene that unfolded before them was one of desolation and death. The air hung heavy with the stench of destruction, and the once-proud structures now lay in ruins, their skeletal remains a haunting testament to the magnitude of the devastation.

The city streets, once bustling with the vibrant energy of its inhabitants, were now eerily silent, punctuated only by the occasional creaking of fractured structures and the distant sound of the wind. The grandeur of Batrak had been reduced to rubble and debris, with every corner reverberating the painful history of a city that had survived numerous wars between mankind, only to succumb to a force more sinister.

The druid, Leo, observed the destruction with a sense of disbelief. He murmured in a hushed tone, "My god, this city was huge, and there is nothing even standing here. It is massive destruction."

Zeral, his eyes scanning the ruins with a mix of anger and disbelief, turned to Leo. "What are you talking about?"

Leo, still processing the extent of the devastation, nodded in agreement. "This isn't a normal attack. It requires insanely amount of black powder that I'm not sure druids ever had... or maybe it's a new discovery, a new weapon that evolved to be so powerful. Whoever did this, it is something truly powerful beyond my understanding. This goes beyond the capabilities of any conventional force. There's an aura of resentment in this destruction. It feels like a force not just driven by normal standards of warfare."

Zeral, his gaze hardened, questioned Leo, "Stop speaking in riddles. We all know it was druids. Do you think this is a new weapon they created in secret? Could it have been made by the grandmasters?"

Leo, reflecting on the scene before him, responded with a mixture of concern and contemplation, "It's hard to say. This level of destruction goes against the core principles of druids. But if it is, indeed, their doing, it could be a dark manifestation, a power they kept hidden from the world. Perhaps, even the grandmasters might not be aware of its existence. It's a sinister plot, one that goes beyond my understanding of the druids' capabilities."

The group continued to navigate through the desolation of Batrak, each step revealing more layers of the tragedy that had befallen the once-mighty city. The shadows of the past seemed to linger among the ruins, whispering secrets of a plot more dreadful than anyone could have imagined.

The druid, Leo, his voice filled with a mix of shock and dismay, spoke amidst the desolation of Batrak, "There is no grandmaster who can approve such an attack. But if this is a new weapon, then it should be found and eliminated. Otherwise, other cities may fall like this. The monsters can't do it, neither can simply druids with a vengeful plan. This is the most evil plot I have ever learned about. The scale of this could be part of the Supreme Grandmaster's plans, but where was he? Why did he do this? Who was involved? Why did no grandmaster ever hear about this attack? We are talking about a disaster to mankind here, not a simple 'let's start a war to be rich' type of plot."

As he spoke, Leo's hands trembled with a mixture of fear and urgency. The scenes of destruction unfolding before him weighed heavily on his conscience, and the questions he posed hung in the air like an unspoken challenge to unravel the sinister mysteries behind the decimation of Batrak.

Zeral, though known for his stoic demeanor, couldn't help but be affected by the gravity of Leo's words. The reality of the situation began to sink in, and the group found themselves standing amidst the ruins of a city that had fallen victim to a plot beyond their comprehension.

The once-majestic structures now served as silent witnesses to the hellish force that had left Batrak in ruins. The group, facing the aftermath of this catastrophic event, knew that uncovering the truth behind this mysterious assault was imperative to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of other cities.

As the shadows of the fallen city stretched across the broken streets, the unanswered questions lingered in the air, demanding attention and resolution. The journey ahead, now marred by the sinister plot that had unfolded in Batrak, would require unwavering determination to expose the truth and confront the looming threat that overshadowed their world.

the end.