Three weeks had passed since the mission in the mountains, and the team had been left in an unusual state of limbo. The Arcane Order had not assigned any new missions, and the days seemed to stretch on without purpose.
Lucious, Aldric, and Elara had grown restless in the silence, their eyes occasionally wandering to the mission board, hoping for some sort of task to break the monotony. As the days passed, the air was thick with the unspoken question of why they hadn't been called upon for anything new. They had proven themselves in their previous missions, so why the wait?
It was on a particularly quiet afternoon when a messenger arrived, delivering a note with an urgent request to meet Elisa at the Order's post. Without hesitation, they gathered their things and made their way there.
As they entered the post, they found Elisa behind her desk, a rare smile on her face as she looked up from some papers.
"Well, I've got some good news for you all," she said, her voice carrying a tone of excitement.
The trio exchanged glances, their interest piqued. Elisa stood and walked around the desk, a twinkle in her eye. "I'm pleased to inform you that after reviewing your performances, the Order has decided to promote all three of you to C-Rank."
Lucious' eyes widened, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Looks like I've finally caught up to you," he said, turning toward Aldric.
Aldric's lips curved into a small grin. "For now, at least."
Elara, watching the exchange, smiled softly and shook her head. "It's not a race, you two," she teased.
Lucious raised an eyebrow but said nothing further, the pride of the moment settling in. He had done it. The journey from E to C was no small feat, and each of them had earned their place.
Elisa chuckled at their playful banter before continuing, "This promotion comes with its responsibilities, though. You'll be given more challenging tasks from here on out. The real work begins now."
"We're ready," Lucious said, his voice steady and confident.
"I thought you might say that," Elisa replied with a knowing smile. "I'll have the details sent to you shortly. Congratulations, everyone."
With their ranks officially upgraded, they left the post, the weight of their new titles sinking in as they headed back to their quarters. Lucious, Aldric, and Elara were no longer rookies—they were C-Rank now, and with that came a new level of respect and responsibility.
They had come a long way, and now it was time to see what the future held.
The next day, Lucious, Aldric, and Elara were called back to the Arcane Order's post. They were greeted by Elisa, who had a more serious expression than before.
"Good to see you all again," she began, "and congratulations once again on your promotion to C-Rank. However, there's a new assignment awaiting you."
The trio exchanged curious glances. They hadn't expected to be sent out so soon after receiving their new ranks.
"Your first task as C-Ranks is to escort the ancient scroll you got from the Ebonfang Dungeon to the capital, Velidorn. It contains important information."Elisa continued, her tone steady. "And there's been a shortage of personnel due to a scheduling conflict involving the A-Rank and higher teams. With most of the higher-ranked Arcanites out of the city dealing with an urgent situation, the capital is understaffed."
Lucious raised an eyebrow. "So, you want us to go there?"
"Exactly," Elisa confirmed. "You'll be stationed in Velidorn for a few months to assist with missions in the city and surrounding areas. You'll report to the local Arcane Order branch, where you'll receive your assignments. They're in need of reliable teams, and you're more than capable."
Aldric crossed his arms, his mind already turning over the idea of working in the capital. "Sounds like a big responsibility."
"It is," Elisa said, nodding. "But I have full confidence in your abilities. And this will be a great opportunity for you to grow even further, working alongside other experienced Arcanites."
Elara spoke up, her usual calmness intact. "What kind of missions will we be handling there?"
"Everything from local troubles to potential threats in the area. The capital can be a chaotic place, especially when it's understaffed. You'll need to be on your toes."
Lucious grinned. "That sounds like exactly the kind of challenge we need."
Elisa smiled, a glint of approval in her eyes. "Good to hear. Pack your things and prepare to leave as soon as possible. The sooner you get there, the sooner you'll be able to assist."
With that, the trio was dismissed. As they headed out, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This new chapter in their journey was going to be a big one. Velidorn, the capital, awaited them. And who knew what kind of missions—and challenges—lay in store?
The next day, Lucious, Aldric, and Elara made their way to the Arcane Order's post to receive the ancient scroll. As they entered the building, Elisa was waiting for them, standing near a small wooden table, the scroll wrapped securely in cloth.
"Here it is," she said, handing over the scroll with a serious expression. "This is your responsibility now. Take good care of it."
Lucious took the scroll carefully, securing it in a satchel, and glanced at his teammates. The weight of the task ahead began to settle in.
"Velidorn is a bit far," Elisa added, her tone somber. "It's a long journey, and it will take you a whole week to get there. You'll be traveling through some tough terrain, so make sure you're well-prepared. Stock up on supplies, and be cautious on the way there."
Aldric, ever eager for action, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "A week of travel? Sounds like a challenge. We've got this."
Elara nodded quietly, looking out toward the horizon. "I'll make sure we're ready."
Elisa gave them a knowing look. "Don't underestimate the journey. The path may be challenging, but the scroll's importance makes it all the more crucial you deliver it safely."
With that, the team prepared to leave, knowing the journey ahead would test them in ways they hadn't yet faced. The road to Velidorn awaited, and they had a mission to complete.
As the team starts their journey toward Velidorn, they are traveling through a varied landscape. The path is long and winding, with forests giving way to open plains, and the distant mountains looming in the background. They'll need to pace themselves as the journey is a week-long trek, so they make sure to prepare for any unexpected situations.
Elara, though tired, enjoys the calm of the surroundings. Aldric keeps an eye on the horizon, his thoughts always on the journey ahead. Lucious seems focused, more serious than usual, perhaps contemplating his rise in rank and what that means for him.
They pass through small villages and quiet towns, stopping at inns along the way to rest and gather supplies.
Lucious and Aldric might occasionally spar, testing each other's new abilities in the downtime. Elara, on the other hand, remains more reserved, but still supportive, quietly encouraging them to push each other without overdoing it.
On the third day of their journey, as the sun began to set, the group decided it was time to make camp. The next village was still too far to reach by nightfall, and the dense forest they were traveling through provided a decent shelter from the cold. The night air was crisp, and a light breeze rustled the leaves above, adding a peaceful stillness to the evening.
Lucious, Aldric, and Elara worked together to set up the camp. Lucious gathered wood for a fire, Aldric set up the small tent they shared, and Elara took a moment to meditate by the edge of the clearing. The fire crackled to life, casting flickering shadows around their small camp as they settled in for the night.
Lucious sat next to the fire, absently staring into the flames as he thought about the journey ahead. It was a long road to Velidorn, and though he had grown stronger, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something bigger waiting for him in the capital.
Aldric, sitting across from him, was sharpening one of his daggers, his gaze distant. "It's strange," he muttered, breaking the silence. "I thought we'd be facing tougher missions by now. I mean, the stuff we've been doing... escorting a scroll? Seems like they think we're still just kids."
Elara, who had been quietly watching the flames, turned her gaze toward him. "They're giving us the chance to grow. Sometimes, the missions don't feel as grand, but every experience is another step forward. We'll get to prove ourselves soon enough."
Lucious nodded, but his eyes were still focused on the fire. "Yeah… I guess. But once we get to Velidorn, we'll be facing higher expectations. There's no going back now."
Aldric chuckled lightly. "You've already caught up to me in rank, Lucious. I guess I'll have to watch my back from now on."
"Only for now," Lucious said with a grin. "I've still got a long way to go."
The fire crackled, and the sounds of the forest around them seemed to grow quieter as the night deepened. Elara, ever the quiet one, stood and stretched, her eyes scanning the dark woods around them. "We'll get through this together," she said softly. "Whatever happens."
As the campfire crackled and the night deepened, the trio prepared for their turn on guard duty. They couldn't afford to be careless, especially with the long journey ahead and the risks of traveling through unknown territory.
"We'll take turns," Elara said as she stood, brushing the dirt from her trousers. "I'll take the first shift, and you two can sleep. We'll keep the fire low to avoid drawing attention."
Lucious nodded and settled down near the warmth of the fire, his back against a tree, and Aldric did the same, resting his head on his pack. Both of them didn't need much convincing to rest after the long day's journey.
"I'll take the second shift," Aldric muttered as his eyes began to close, but the sharpness in his voice made it clear he was still alert.
Lucious gave a small smile. "Good idea. I'll get the last shift, then."
Elara nodded, watching the darkened forest around them. Her senses were heightened, her mind tuned to the slightest sounds, her gaze scanning the shadows. "Stay alert," she warned softly. "I'll wake you both if anything comes."
As the others fell into a light sleep, Elara stayed watchful, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the otherwise silent forest.
The night was unnervingly quiet, save for the occasional crackling of the fire. Elara's sharp senses, however, caught a strange noise in the distance—soft but deliberate. Her brow furrowed as she stood up, preparing to wake the others. But before she could make a move, a shadowy tendril shot out from the darkness, wrapping around her arms and legs, immobilizing her.
Her mouth went dry, and her body froze. A strange, suffocating force gripped her, and the air around her seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. Panic flared for an instant. Elara tried to summon her magic, her light energy surging within her, but it was quickly swallowed up by the darkness around her, as if her powers were being drained.
A voice cut through the silence, smooth and mocking. "Seems I got lucky, finding the one whose magic won't affect me."
The words sent a chill down Elara's spine as she struggled against the dark force. The figure stepped closer, their outline barely visible in the gloom, and Elara could just make out the glint of a darkened, mysterious blade in their hand.
The man's voice was cold and calculated, but there was an eerie, almost psychotic edge to it as he stepped closer. His words were laced with dark amusement. "Let's not waste more time. I'll kill you, take the scroll, and leave without even breaking a sweat. The Shadow Veil will be pleased," he hissed, the words dripping with malice.
He tilted his head, a sick grin tugging at the corners of his lips, eyes gleaming with a strange, twisted joy. "It's almost too easy... and I don't even need to fight." His blade gleamed in the dim light, his grip tightening around the hilt, the only sound in the eerie quiet of the forest.
As the man raised his weapon, ready to strike, Elara's body suddenly vanished from sight. The shadowy darkness that had bound her dissipated, and in the blink of an eye, she reappeared beside Lucious. He stood firm, his hand outstretched from where he had teleported her, his expression cold and determined.
Aldric, awake, was already on his feet. His eyes blazed with fury as he swiftly drew his daggers, electricity crackling in the air around him.
Lucious's voice rang out, calm but filled with purpose. "You made a mistake." His eyes narrowed as he glanced at Aldric, a silent agreement between them.
"Get ready," Aldric muttered, the air around him humming with the power of his lightning magic.
Together, they faced the man. The battle was about to begin.
As Lucious and Aldric prepared to strike, the man suddenly vanished, disappearing into the shadows without a trace. The only thing left in his place was the echo of his voice, dark and chilling.
"I'm not stupid," the voice sneered, a hint of madness in its tone. "I know I can't win against all three of you. Guess I'll need backup."
With that, the voice faded, and the oppressive darkness that had been surrounding them lifted, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake. The trio stood poised, ready for anything, but the mysterious man was gone—at least, for now.
Aldric's eyes scanned the area, looking for any sign of movement. "He's not gone for good," he said, his voice tense. "He'll be back. And next time, he won't be alone."
Lucious nodded, his expression unreadable. "We'll be ready."
Lucious turned to Elara, his gaze softening. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low with concern. "Did you notice anything unusual before he attacked?"
Elara slowly nodded, her expression still tense. "It was him. He's from the Shadow Veil," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't recognize him, but I could feel the dark magic emanating from him. He's one of their operatives."
A cold shiver ran down Lucious's spine as the words sank in. The Shadow Veil. He had heard whispers about them before—stories of a secretive and dangerous group operating in the shadows, their motives hidden, their power unmatched.
But what struck Lucious the most was the memory of their leader—the one who had crushed him in the Ebonfang dungeon. The fear and helplessness from that moment resurfaced, filling him with a chill he couldn't shake. He clenched his fists, pushing the memories back down.
"Shadow Veil," Lucious murmured, his voice strained. "I remember them... their leader... he beat me. I couldn't do anything." He paused, his eyes narrowing as the weight of the encounter settled in. "If they're involved, this could be worse than we thought."
Aldric shot Lucious a concerned look but said nothing. Instead, he placed a hand on his shoulder, offering silent support.
Elara's expression hardened, her resolve clear. "We have to be ready for whatever comes next. They're dangerous, and they're not going to stop."
Lucious took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering unease. "We'll face them together," he said, his voice firm now. "This time, we won't let them get the better of us."
With that, the trio prepared themselves for whatever the Shadow Veil might throw at them next. The calm of the forest was shattered, but their determination remained unbroken.
The rest of the night passed in tense silence. Elara, now more alert than ever, took her turn on watch while Lucious and Aldric tried to shake off the lingering unease from the attack. The darkness of the forest around them felt oppressive, as if the very shadows themselves were watching, waiting for the next move.
As the first light of dawn broke through the trees, casting long shadows on the forest floor, the team gathered their things in quiet determination. The sense of urgency lingered in the air, each of them aware that the threat from the Shadow Veil was far from over.
"We leave at dawn," Elara said, her voice steady despite the tension. She had already packed up her belongings and was adjusting her cloak.
Lucious and Aldric nodded, their eyes scanning the forest one last time before they began their journey once more. The calm of the early morning did little to ease the anxiety hanging over them, but the path ahead was clear. They needed to keep moving.
As they set out, the forest began to thin, and the familiar sights of the road appeared again. The sun, though weak in the early hours, cast a faint warmth on their backs as they left the campsite behind.
"Stay alert," Lucious murmured as he fell into step beside Elara. "The Shadow Veil won't be far behind."
Aldric grunted in agreement, his hand resting near the hilt of his dagger. "Let's hope they're not as close as we fear."
With their resolve hardened, the team continued onward, the distance to Velidorn still long, but their pace steady. They knew the dangers that lay ahead were far from over, but as long as they stuck together, they were ready to face whatever came their way.
Two days have passed, and the group has found themselves at a bustling tavern along their journey, a brief respite before continuing their trek to the capital. The smell of cooked meat, ale, and wet wood fills the air as they step inside, the sound of clinking mugs and muffled chatter making the atmosphere feel oddly normal despite the dangers they've encountered.
The trio takes a seat at a corner table, their eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble. The tension from the previous night's attack still lingers in the air, but the need for rest outweighs their unease.
The bartender, a burly man with a thick beard, notices them and shuffles over. "What'll it be?" he asks, his voice gruff yet friendly.
Lucious looks over to his companions before speaking up. "Just water for now," he says, his mind still on the attack from the night before. He's trying to push the thoughts aside, but they keep creeping back.
Aldric nods in agreement. "And something to eat, if you've got it. We're traveling through."
Elara, on the other hand, takes a deep breath. "I'll have some tea, please."
The bartender nods and moves off to prepare their orders, and the trio settles into a heavy silence.
Suddenly, the door to the tavern swings open, and a new figure steps in, a cloaked person, their face hidden in shadow. They seem to scan the room quickly, before their eyes land on the trio at the corner table. For a moment, everything feels a little too quiet. The figure moves to the bar, ordering a drink, but the tension in the air hasn't quite disappeared.
Lucious shifts uncomfortably, his gaze narrowing on the stranger.
"Do you think he's watching us?" Lucious mutters, not taking his eyes off the newcomer.
Aldric casually sips from his mug, trying to seem nonchalant. "Could be anyone," he shrugs, but his eyes betray his own concern. He's ready for a fight if it comes to that.
Elara, however, seems less worried, though she still keeps an eye on the stranger. "It's too early to jump to conclusions," she says softly, but she doesn't seem convinced either.
The figure eventually takes a seat at the bar, back turned to the trio, and Lucious wonders if they've been marked by the Shadow Veil or if this is just another coincidence. The last few days had been filled with strange encounters, but the Shadow Veil wouldn't give up that easily, would they?
Just then, the bartender returns with their orders and a tray of food, cutting through the silence.
As they settle into the meal, the trio knows they have to stay alert. Something about the tavern's quiet buzz feels off—like the calm before the storm.
As the trio sits in silence, trying to shake off the lingering unease, the tavern door creaks open once again. This time, three cloaked figures enter, their presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. The murmur of conversation dies down as the people in the tavern instinctively sense something is wrong.
The first cloaked figure strides forward, the others trailing behind, their movements synchronized as if they've done this countless times before. They don't speak, but the air around them is heavy with purpose. Every step they take seems deliberate, their eyes locked on the trio sitting at the corner table.
Lucious feels his breath catch in his throat as one of them lifts their hood. The face that is revealed makes his heart drop into his stomach. It's the face of the Shadow Veil's leader—the one who had utterly defeated him in the Ebonfang Dungeon, leaving him with nothing but the bitter taste of helplessness. The man's cold, calculating eyes lock onto Lucious, and for a moment, Lucious is paralyzed with fear, his body unwilling to obey his commands.
"Long time no see, boy," the Shadow Veil leader says, his voice smooth, almost too calm, as if he's relishing in the fear he's causing.
Lucious's mind flashes back to that moment in the dungeon when he felt utterly powerless, when he couldn't even move as the leader toyed with him. The memories of pain, humiliation, and the terrifying certainty that he was going to die flood his mind, paralyzing him in the present. His hands shake slightly, and his body remains frozen.
Aldric immediately stands, his hand on his dagger's hilt, ready to fight. "What do you want?" he demands, his voice firm but with a trace of caution.
Elara's eyes narrow, her light magic humming in the air, ready to strike if needed. But even she can sense the overwhelming power emanating from the leader and his companions. The presence of the Shadow Veil leader seems to drain the air around them, making it hard to breathe.
Lucious finally finds his voice, though it's barely more than a whisper. "Why… why are you here?" His words are filled with disbelief and dread, the shock of seeing this person again still locking him in place.
The Shadow Veil leader smiles—a slow, menacing grin that sends chills down Lucious's spine. "I'm here because you have something i need" His voice carries a quiet threat. "You've made things difficult for us, boy. But that ends now."
He steps forward, his cloak brushing the ground with every movement. The others behind him remain silent, their eyes watching the trio, as if waiting for an order to strike.
Lucious's heart races. He wants to move, to fight, to protect his friends, but his body refuses to cooperate. He's once again faced with the overwhelming force of the Shadow Veil's leader, and the terror he feels is as real as it was in the dungeon.
But this time, something is different. He's not the same person he was back then. He's trained, he's grown stronger. Even if the fear is still there, Lucious knows he can't let it control him. Not now.
His hands curl into fists, and he takes a deep breath, trying to steady his shaking form. It's time to stand his ground.
"Stay... stay back!" Lucious finally manages to say, his voice stronger now, even as his legs tremble.
The tavern is eerily silent now, the noise of the crowd and clinking mugs long gone. Only the trio and the cloaked figures remain, surrounded by an oppressive tension. The Shadow Veil leader, with his unnerving calmness, steps closer, his cold gaze fixed on Lucious.
"You really made my life difficult last time," he says, a slow smile curling at his lips as he draws a long, silver blade and licks it, savoring the taste. "So, I think it's time I end this little game. But… if you hand over the scroll, I might just spare your friends. They'll only get a few cuts. Nothing too bad."
Lucious feels his heart race as fear swells within him. But he doesn't let it control him this time, and his voice, though trembling, is defiant. "If you're the leader, why'd you come yourself?" he asks, trying to keep his composure. "You could have just sent someone. Am I wrong?"
The Shadow Veil leader's grin widens, but it's not a reassuring smile. "Who told you I was the leader?" he asks with a dark chuckle.
Lucious's blood runs cold as the realization crashes into him. The man in front of him, this terrifying force that had so easily left him in a state of helplessness before, isn't even the leader? His heart drops as the leader's words hit him like a blow.
"I'm nothing compared to him," the man continues, his voice taking on a more ominous tone. "The leader is far stronger than I am. I'm just the fifth commander."
The words hang in the air like a death sentence. The realization hits Lucious harder than any blow. This man, who had already made him feel so small and powerless, was not even the most dangerous of them. The true leader of the Shadow Veil… someone more powerful than this? It sends a cold chill through him, making him feel even more vulnerable.
Aldric's hand tightens around his dagger, his body ready to move, but even he can sense the overwhelming weight of the situation. Elara's eyes flicker with uncertainty, her light magic humming in the air, but she knows, just like the others, that they are outmatched in this moment.
The Shadow Veil commander watches Lucious carefully, enjoying the fear and confusion that flicker in his eyes. "You should be honored. You'll die at the hands of one of the strongest in the Shadow Veil. But don't worry, after you're gone, the scroll will be in my hands, and your friends will be left to suffer."
Lucious, still reeling from the revelation, fights to keep his focus. "I won't let you take it," he manages to say, though his words are laced with uncertainty. He can't help but wonder how much worse the leader would be, how much stronger the one who truly controls the Shadow Veil is.
Lucious's mind races, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knows they have no chance of winning this fight. Their only option is to run—run far enough that they can escape, even if just for a while. Without hesitation, he takes a deep breath, focusing on the limits of his teleportation magic.
Then, with a flash of determination, Lucious teleports them away, the world shifting around them in an instant. He doesn't stop to think, doesn't hesitate; he keeps teleporting, again and again, pushing himself to the edge of his limits, moving them as far as he can with each jump.
His energy is quickly draining, his mana reserves depleting with every use, but he doesn't stop. Not until he's sure they're far enough. When he finally comes to a halt, breathless and exhausted, he falls to his knees.
"Good thing I kept the scroll in my pocket, not the bag," Lucious mutters, the last of his strength leaving him. He can barely stand, but he knows they've escaped—at least for now.
Aldric and Elara look around, their eyes scanning the distance, then they turn to Lucious, nodding with grim recognition.
"Nice job, Lucious," Aldric says, his voice low. "We'd have been dead if we stayed there. There was no way we could've beaten him, not with what we had."
Elara places a hand on his shoulder, offering silent support. "We need to get to Velidorn as quickly as possible," she says. "If they catch up with us, we won't have a chance. We have to make it there before they do."
Lucious nods weakly, wiping the sweat from his brow. The terror is still there, but for now, they're safe. They have time to recover, but they know the threat is far from over. The Shadow Veil won't stop hunting them, and this time, they need to be ready.
As the trio trudged forward, their bodies heavy with exhaustion, the oppressive silence of the forest settled around them. They had barely caught their breath after their frantic escape, but now, in the stillness of the trees, there was an unmistakable presence behind them.
A cold, mocking voice broke the silence. "You really think you can escape me that easily? It's true the others are still far behind, but you won't stand a chance against me alone."
Lucious' heart skipped a beat. The 5th Commander of the Shadow Veil had caught up. His breath came in ragged gasps, his mind racing to find a way out, but the truth was undeniable—they were trapped.
Lucious turned to his friends, adrenaline coursing through him. "We have to move, now!" he hissed, his voice strained. But they had already known—he could feel the weight of their resolve. Aldric and Elara exchanged a glance, both fully aware that the stakes were higher than ever. The teleportation had drained them all, and they couldn't rely on that anymore. The time for running had passed.
The 5th Commander's footsteps were slow, deliberate, and unhurried, as though savoring the moment. His voice floated to them again, this time even colder, "You think I haven't prepared for this? I know where you're heading, and you won't get there in one piece. The leader will be pleased to see how far I've come."
A tense silence filled the space between them. Lucious could feel his pulse hammering in his throat. The figure of the 5th Commander was now only a few paces away, his dark silhouette towering in the dim light.
Aldric stepped forward, his stance solid, the glint of his daggers barely visible in the shadow. "We're not running anymore," he muttered, eyes narrowed. "If we go down, we go down fighting."
Elara nodded, her hand raised as she summoned the faintest glow of light magic, ready to protect them with her shields. "We have no choice. It's now or never."
Lucious' thoughts flashed back to the battle in the tavern, to the crushing defeat they had barely survived. They couldn't afford that again.
With a sudden surge of resolve, Lucious made his decision. "We fight."
The 5th Commander laughed, a low, cruel chuckle that echoed in the quiet woods. "You think you can defeat me? This is pointless. But go ahead—make your move." He drew his sword, the blade shimmering faintly with dark energy.
Lucious braced himself, steeling his nerves. They didn't have the luxury of hesitation, and for the first time, he realized they were not just fighting for survival—they were fighting for everything. The stakes were beyond anything they had faced.
"Ready?" Lucious asked, his voice unwavering.
Aldric and Elara nodded in unison.
And then the fight began.
As the 5th Commander approached, the trio stood their ground, preparing for what seemed like an inevitable battle. But beneath the surface, a plan had already been set in motion—one they hadn't revealed to the 5th Commander. They had been talking about this escape route ever since they were forced to flee the tavern.
"Listen, we can't keep running," Lucious had said in a hushed voice, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "The moment we fight him, we're at a disadvantage. But what if we make him think we're going to fight? What if we give him a reason to think we're cornered?"
Aldric had clenched his fists, still frustrated by their past encounter. "You're suggesting we trick him?"
"Exactly," Lucious replied. "We let him think he's winning, and while he's focused on us, we make our move."
Elara, always calm and calculating, nodded. "We need to be quick. He might have back-up on the way, but if we act at the right moment, we might just slip through."
It was a risky plan, but it was their only chance.
As the 5th Commander got closer, his mocking words rang out, "You really think you can escape me that easily? It's true the others are still far behind, but you won't stand a chance against me alone."
Lucious turned to Aldric and Elara, giving them the briefest nod. They didn't need to say anything—they were ready.
The moment the 5th Commander took another step forward, Elara acted. With a sudden burst of light, her magic flared up, temporarily blinding him. The Commander's growl of frustration was drowned out by the dazzling light that enveloped him. He staggered back, eyes squinting against the radiance.
"Now!" Lucious whispered sharply.
Elara, with a calmness that belied the urgency of the situation, raised her hands toward the sky as the sun began to rise. With her enhanced control over light, she focused the sunlight into her magic, weaving it into a new spell. A beam of light shot from her palms, and in an instant, it fractured into several beams, each one casting a clone of their figures, scattering them in all directions like reflections in a mirror. The clones moved swiftly, creating confusion and buying the trio precious seconds to escape.
As they darted in separate directions, the 5th Commander's enraged roar echoed through the forest. "What is this?!"
He blinked rapidly to adjust his vision as the sun's light receded, realizing too late what had happened.
"Let them go," he spat, frustration clear in his voice. "If they want to play with fire, they'll get burned."
His eyes narrowed as the sounds of footsteps reached his ears. The other three members of the Shadow Veil appeared behind him.
The 5th Commander turned toward one of his subordinates. "Prepare a meeting with the boss and the other commanders as fast as possible. This will not go unpunished."
With a final glance at the clones, he turned and disappeared into the forest, followed by the other members of the Shadow Veil. His mind was already set on tracking them down, but for now, they had bought themselves some time.
Lucious, Aldric, and Elara, each still running in a different direction, felt a wave of relief wash over them, but it was fleeting. They knew this was just the beginning. The Shadow Veil wouldn't stop, and they would have to move faster than ever before to stay ahead of them.
The sun was rising high in the sky now, casting long shadows behind them as they regrouped in a secluded part of the forest.
"We're not out of danger yet," Lucious said, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "We need to get to Velidorn—and fast."
Aldric nodded, still catching his breath. "We're not letting them win. Not this time."
Elara, her expression serene as ever, glanced around to ensure they weren't being followed. "But we need to be careful. If they're going to call in the other commanders… we'll be facing a much bigger threat."
The trio set off again, this time with even more determination than before. There was no turning back now.
As they ran, their breath came in ragged gasps, their hearts pounding in fear and adrenaline. The sound of footsteps—heavy, relentless, and growing closer—echoed in their ears. Lucious, Aldric, and Elara did not dare to look back.
With the city in sight, Lucious took one last breath, gathering every ounce of strength he had left, and pushed forward. His mind screamed at him to get them to safety, to make it to the gates before they were caught.
As they reached the city walls, Lucious called out. "We're almost there!"
Elara, using the last of her magic, cast a brilliant burst of light ahead of them, signaling the guards at the gates. The massive doors groaned open just in time as they stumbled inside, barely managing to catch their breath.
Behind them, the gates slammed shut,Panting, Lucious leaned against the cold stone of the wall, trying to steady himself. He could feel the tension in his body start to loosen, but he knew this wasn't over. The Shadow Veil wasn't going to give up so easily. Not when they had the scroll.
But they were in Velidorn now. And for the first time in days, they could afford to breathe. For the moment, at least.
They were safe—for now.