In Ashwind Post, weeks had passed since Ryu's group, along with Bacchus and Taurus, embarked on their perilous mission. Though worry still lingered in everyone's hearts, life had to go on. The spark of revitalization that Leonardo da Vinci had ignited continued to shine, pushing all the villagers to work together to build a better future.
Da Vinci himself had not been idle. The discovery of the "secret code of power," linking "knowledge" and "understanding" to the potency of the golden brush, had opened exciting new possibilities for him. In his workshop, now filled with even more complex sketches and engineering models, he was engrossed in experimenting with "drawing" small, highly detailed mechanical parts, such as miniature gears or springs with precise tension. He observed that the more he understood the working principles, material science, and mathematics related to what he was about to create, the less energy the golden brush required, and the more perfect and durable the result became. It was a confirmation of his hypothesis and a crucial key to truly restoring the brush's power.
He continued to advise the villagers on improving various village structures. The irrigation system he designed was expanded to cover more cultivated land. The climate-controlled granary he taught them to build significantly prolonged the storage life of grains. Even small agricultural tools, like a new type of plow that reduced labor, or more durable digging tools, were invented under his guidance, slowly but steadily improving everyone's living conditions.
However, amidst this hope and progress, the shadow of concern for the fate of their still-absent comrades continued to weigh heavily on Kiana and Elder Eldrin. The message brought by the pigeon days ago still caused unease. Although there was no direct bad news, the fact that Ryu and the other two had not made any contact was not a good sign.
"Grandfather... what do you think has happened to them?" Kiana asked Eldrin one evening, as they sat watching the twin suns set from the porch of the old leader's hut.
Eldrin sighed softly. "I can't say, my dear granddaughter. But I still have faith in Ryu, Bacchus, and Taurus. They are not ones to give up easily." Though he said that, his eyes still held a deep-seated worry.
Meanwhile, in the dark and imposing throne room at the heart of the Nebula Machine Empire...
The towering figure of the Nebula King sat upon a throne forged from pitch-black metal, adorned with sharp spikes. Dim light from mechanical torches mounted on the walls illuminated only the outline of his formidable armor and his crimson, coal-like eyes that gleamed coldly in the darkness.
"Report the situation in Siren's Haven," the King's deep, emotionless voice broke the silence of the vast hall.
A high-ranking officer in full armor stepped forward and knelt. "Your Majesty... preliminary investigations reveal damage in the old warehouse district by the southern docks, with signs of a fierce battle, believed to be the work of 'Fenril.' However... the target he was pursuing escaped, and it appears a 'third party' intervened. Furthermore, several of our upgraded mechanized hunter-killer patrol units sent to investigate the secret tunnels beneath the city have lost contact completely..."
The Nebula King listened to the report calmly, his formidably armored hand tapping thoughtfully on the throne's armrest. "Fenril... still making mistakes, as usual," he said in a flat tone, though there was a hint of displeasure. "As for the missing patrol units... it means those tunnels aren't as 'secret' as we thought, and there might be more than one 'dirty rat' scurrying around in there."
He paused for a moment before speaking again. "And what of the 'Artificer'... any progress?"
"Not... not yet, Your Majesty," the officer replied, his voice trembling. "But our informants are still working diligently to find any leads."
"Good..." the Nebula King said. "Order 'Viper' and 'Tarantula' (codenames of other Seven Hunters) to intensify their search in their respective territories. I want that 'Artificer'... no matter the cost. And keep a close watch on the movements of the 'Spark Faction' still hiding in the shadows. Perhaps... they know something about this." His crimson eyes glinted. "It seems the little mice are causing more trouble than I anticipated... but the more they struggle... the more they reveal themselves... And when the time comes... I will crush them all with my own hands."
Cutting to the elegant white stone castle at the heart of the Eldian Dominion, the land of lush green meadows and bountiful forests...
In a luxuriously decorated study filled with ancient tomes and star charts, "Lord Arthur," a man with bright golden hair and intelligent azure eyes, was examining a top-secret report just delivered by his most trusted informant.
"Lord Arthur... how is it?" a loyal old knight standing beside him asked respectfully.
Lord Arthur looked up from the parchment, his eyes sparkling as never before. "It seems... the ancient prophecy our ancestors recorded... is beginning to come true," he said, his voice tinged with excitement mixed with hope. "There are reports of the appearance of an individual possessing the power of an 'Artificer' as foretold... in the desolate eastern borderlands... near the Nebula Empire's sphere of influence."
"The prophesied Artificer, truly, my lord!" the old knight exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock. "After all this time we've waited and searched!"
"Yes..." Lord Arthur nodded slowly. "Though the information is still unclear, it is credible enough. It is time for us to begin 'making our move.' Perhaps... the light of hope is about to shine upon this dark world once more... Send word to our 'Observers' at the border. Have them monitor the situation in that area with utmost closeness and prepare to 'extend a hand'... when the time is right."
Back in Ashwind Post once more...
Several days later, while Da Vinci and the villagers were continuously engrossed in developing the village, a small group of nomadic merchants arrived by chance. They looked tired and weary from their long and perilous journey. Kiana and Eldrin welcomed them traditionally, exchanging food and water for news from the outside world.
These travelers spoke of increasing tensions between the major empires: Nebula and Eldia reinforcing their border troops, rumors of small-scale clashes in some areas, and the Nebula Empire's increasingly harsh oppression of its people. They also told strange tales of "superpowered individuals" or "The Awakened" appearing more frequently in various lands. Some were hailed as heroes who helped people, while others were hunted down and accused of being demons or threats, spreading fear and confusion everywhere.
Da Vinci, Kiana, and Eldrin listened to this news with interest and contemplation. This information further emphasized the importance of the "Artificer" and the danger Da Vinci was facing.
And at the same time, in a distant land known as the "Vulcanus Wastes," the cruel and barbaric Vulcanus Empire...
The scene cut to the summit of a colossal, still-active volcano, periodically erupting with crimson lava. Dark black smoke mixed with volcanic ash billowed into the perpetually gloomy, blood-red sky. The surrounding atmosphere was scorching hot and filled with a sulfurous stench so strong it was almost unbreathable.
On a large stone platform, forged from igneous rock and hardened lava, standing defiantly at the edge of the churning volcanic crater, was the towering, muscular figure of a man, his back to the viewer. He wore only garments made from the hides of monstrous beasts and formidable, crude black metal armor, adorned with fearsome fangs, claws, and bones of grotesque creatures. His long, fiery red hair, like a solar flare, billowed in the strong, hot wind.
He looked up at the dark sky, filled with ash storms, before letting out a low, terrifying, and somewhat crazed laugh. The laughter echoed across the volcanic crater.
"Hmph... 'The Awakened' from a foreign land, you say... The power of 'creation,' is it... Interesting..." he said to himself, his voice clearly tinged with hunger. "Perhaps... there will soon be new 'prey' strong enough to withstand my 'claws'... for me to 'savor' its strength..."
As he finished speaking, the shadow of a pair of massive, leathery wings, resembling those of a dragon, momentarily fell upon his figure before the scene quickly cut away, leaving only a sense of raw, terrifying power awaiting its time to be unleashed...
Back in Ashwind Post again, later that same evening...
Da Vinci, Kiana, and Eldrin were discussing all the news received from the merchant group in Eldrin's hut. The outside world was vast, complex, and far more dangerous than they had ever imagined.
"It seems... the situation in this world is truly about to undergo a great change," Eldrin said thoughtfully. "The appearance of several 'Awakened' individuals around the same time... it's definitely no coincidence."
"And the Nebula Empire is trying to control or eliminate all those powers," Kiana added, her expression tense. "We must be more careful, and we need to find a way to contact Ryu as soon as possible."
Da Vinci had been sitting silently for a long time, contemplating all the information, especially about "The Awakened" and the "prophecy." He looked at the various sketches he had drawn on the table, his eyes more determined and filled with a stronger resolve than ever before. "It seems... this world needs 'creation' and 'hope' more than I ever thought. And perhaps... this brush was truly sent for that purpose."
Suddenly! The sound of a horn from the newly completed watchtower blared urgently! Followed by the joyous and excited shouts of the villagers outside!
"What happened!" Kiana exclaimed, before rushing out with Eldrin and Da Vinci to see.
The sight that met their eyes was a group of four familiar figures, staggering but full of determination, entering the village perimeter! Ryu! Bacchus! Taurus! And another strange woman! They were back! And it seemed... they hadn't returned empty-handed!
[End of Chapter 26]