The new dawn arrived with full determination in the hearts of the six companions. The special task force from Ashwind Post had begun their dangerous and hopeful journey towards the Athenaeum of Embers, a mysterious place that might hold their fate, and perhaps the fate of this world. The first light of the twin suns shone through the trees in long shafts, casting long shadows ahead, as if guiding them to a new adventure.
Ryu carefully used the "Astra Navigator" received from the Spark Faction to lead the way. The ancient device emitted a faint blue light, guiding them through a rather desolate and generally unknown path. Da Vinci experimented with the prototype cloaking device he had just finished the night before. It was a cloak woven from special fibers and coated with extracts from certain plants he had observed to have slight light-refracting properties. Though not achieving complete invisibility, it helped their group blend in better with the surrounding environment, reducing the chances of detection from afar.
The initial part of the journey was relatively smooth. They traveled through a dense forest where sunlight barely penetrated, creating a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. Da Vinci couldn't help but pay attention to the strange flora and insects he had never seen in his old world. He quickly sketched and noted their prominent features in his trusty notebook. His inquisitive nature remained fully active even in a situation that required constant vigilance.
"Da Vinci-dono... don't you think we should be hurrying more than sitting around sketching?" Bacchus asked, his voice laced with humor but also some concern.
Da Vinci smiled faintly. "Observation and data recording are also part of preparation, Bacchus-dono. We never know when a small piece of knowledge gathered today might become a crucial key to survival tomorrow."
As they ventured deeper into the increasingly dense forest, Ryu and Raven's instincts began to kick in. Both, with their excellent scouting skills, noticed unusual tracks on the ground – numerous, disorganized footprints, and a recently extinguished campfire.
"There are people ahead," Raven whispered lowly, her sharp eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. "Probably forest bandits... and not a small number."
Kiana, as the team leader, raised her hand, signaling everyone to stop and take cover. "Everyone, be ready... but try not to escalate things if unnecessary."
Soon, a group of about a dozen forest bandits in shabby clothes and carrying old, rusty weapons emerged from the bushes beside the path. They had rough demeanors and greedy eyes upon seeing Ryu's group, who had better supplies and equipment than them.
"Hey! You lot! Hand over all your valuables! And we might just spare your lives!" The bandit leader, a large man with a fearsome scar on his face, barked threateningly.
Bacchus chuckled. "Well, well, such arrogant words without looking at who you're dealing with, you earthworms!" He stepped forward, his massive Earthen Hammer resting casually on his shoulder. "If you want good stuff, try taking it yourselves!"
The clash was swift and ended even more quickly. The forest bandits, hoping to rob lucky prey, encountered the "real deal" they had never anticipated. Taurus used his immense strength to break through their lines like a wild bull. Bacchus swung his giant hammer, sweeping away the rest, sending them flying in different directions. Ryu and Raven provided support from the rear, easily dealing with those who tried to sneak attack or escape. Kiana commanded and assisted where needed. Da Vinci didn't engage directly but used a small "smoke bomb" he had prepared, throwing it to create confusion among the bandits, making it easier for his team to handle them.
After the bandits were completely subdued (some unconscious, some fleeing for their lives), Ryu's team didn't rest long. They collected some weapons and supplies the bandits had left behind (which might be useful) before quickly continuing their journey. The recent skirmish, though not severe, served as a good "warm-up" and "fine-tuning" for their teamwork.
As they continued, the surrounding atmosphere began to change slowly but noticeably. The once-dense forest started to thin out, revealing the ruins of ancient structures covered in moss and vines. The plants in this area looked withered and had an unnatural coloration. An eerie silence descended, broken only by the wind sighing through the stone ruins, creating a feeling that was both mysterious and unsettling.
"We are approaching the Athenaeum's territory," Eldrin had described the characteristics of this area, and it matched what they were seeing.
Ryu noticed special arrows with pitch-black metal tips embedded in the trunks of some large trees in the distance. They weren't ordinary arrows and seemed to have been shot with high precision. Raven pointed out strange scratches on the stone ground, which looked like signs of some kind of hidden "trap."
Da Vinci stood still for a moment. He looked towards the Athenaeum, still invisible to the naked eye, but he could feel a faint "energy" emanating from that area. It was a cold and strangely organized energy. "Someone... or something... is watching us," he said in a low voice.
After traveling with utmost caution for about another hour, they finally reached a high hill from which they could see the "Athenaeum of Embers" standing majestically in the valley below for the first time. Even from a distance, its dilapidated and crumbling grandeur was still evident. Towering stone spires, some partially collapsed, walls full of cracks, and structures that looked ready to fall at any moment. The surrounding atmosphere was filled with mystery, silence, and a terrifying feeling, as if the place was cursed.
"So that's it... the Athenaeum of Embers," Kiana murmured, her eyes fixed on their destination with determination.
As they were quickly discussing the plan to approach the Athenaeum, with Da Vinci pointing to a spot on his rough map (sketched from Ryu's descriptions) that he presumed to be a hidden entrance, Kiana, who was keeping watch on the perimeter, suddenly froze, her expression tensing visibly!
"Something... I sense... a strangely cold energy," she whispered lowly, her fiery red eyes narrowing as she looked towards the Athenaeum.
Ryu felt it too! It wasn't the intense, frenzied killing intent of Fenril, but a faint yet sharp and chilling pressure, like a blade! It was completely different from Fenril's wild killing intent, but it made his heart skip a beat with dread!
Taurus and Bacchus immediately stopped all actions. Their warrior instincts screamed a warning. Though they couldn't see the enemy yet, they knew they were being watched by "someone" or "something" strong!
Raven frowned slightly, her hand slowly moving to grip the pistols at her waist naturally. "This kind of feeling... it's never good."
Da Vinci looked up from the map. He looked towards the Athenaeum of Embers, now starting to be obscured by the shadows of the late afternoon. "No doubt..." he murmured to himself, recalling what Ryu had told him. "...This evenly spread and perfectly controlled energy... it's characteristic of a hunter specializing in long-range ambushes... 'Eagle.' He knows we're here."
Meanwhile, in the dark throne room of the Nebula King, the Emperor's deep, cold voice was issuing a final command to his loyal hunter via long-range communication.
"...Eagle... I've received reports that 'targets' are heading towards the location you are guarding... Your mission is to 'eliminate' all who obstruct... and bring the 'Artificer' to me... alive... Do not fail."
The scene cut back to Da Vinci's group, standing still and alert in the thinning forest near the Athenaeum. They hadn't seen Eagle directly yet, but they could sense his "gaze" and "preparedness" from somewhere within the ruins of the Athenaeum. The hunt... was about to begin.
[End of Chapter 29]