[Location: Phoenix Guild Headquarters — Quiet Night]
The moon hangs high in the sky, casting silver light over the central garden of the Phoenix Guild. A gentle breeze stirs the leaves. Inside the building, the hallway lies in near-total silence. The door to Inavy's room creaks open slowly.
[Inavy steps out, dressed in light clothes, scratching his head, his expression heavy.]
Inavy (muttering to himself):— I can't sleep… The world's energy feels off… like something big is about to happen…
He walks slowly down the stone corridor. A familiar voice calls out gently but firmly:
Ray (arms crossed, leaning against a column):— Inavy.
[Inavy lifts his gaze and smiles faintly upon seeing the towering figure of his father.]
Inavy:— Ray? You're still awake?
Ray (with a faint smile):— Old soldiers don't sleep well…I wanted to talk to you.
[They walk together into the inner garden. They sit on a stone bench beneath a softly swaying tree bathed in moonlight.]
Ray (looking at the sky):— Since the festival… I've been watching you grow.Not just in strength, but in spirit.
Inavy (half-smiling):— Is that a compliment?
Ray (chuckling):— It is. But also a warning.The road ahead won't be easy.And the brighter you shine… the more darkness will try to extinguish you.
[Inavy lowers his gaze, reflective.]
Inavy:— I know. I can feel it.Like the whole world is holding its breath…
Ray (locking eyes with him):— That's why you need to be ready.Not just as a fighter… but as a leader.
Inavy (surprised):— A leader?
Ray:— A new generation is rising: you, Darius, Rose, Kelvin…And even if they don't realize it yet, they all look to you.You are the balance. The pillar.
Inavy (touched, uncertain):— I don't know if I'm all that, Ray…
[Ray steps forward and grips his shoulder firmly.]
Ray:— Inavy...You're a Stormbreak.And you are my son.That makes you stronger than any god or monster.
[Inavy's eyes widen, visibly moved by the words. A new expression forms on his face — firm, honorable, and filled with a renewed spark of faith.]
Ray (rising and turning away):— Get some rest, Inavy.Dawn will come… and when it does, I want to see the hero you are rise with it.
[Inavy remains silent, his eyes glimmering with emotion, pride, and responsibility. The camera rises, showing the full moon between drifting clouds.]
[Scene Transition – Guild of the Thousand Lights HQ]
[Location: Central Tower — Deep into the Night]
The main hall of the guild is quiet. The torch flames flicker over marble floors and sacred stained glass that casts a soft blue glow. Kelvin is kneeling in the center of a glowing circle of sigils, breathing heavily.
[Lorien watches from a distance, arms crossed, his eyes sharp and vigilant. Something is clearly wrong.]
Kelvin (whispering, sweating):— They're coming… whispers… eyes in the dark…
[Suddenly, all the torches extinguish at once. A cold wind howls through the hall. The guild's crest trembles upon the walls.]
Unknown Voice from the shadows:— Receptacle...At last, I've found you.
[A figure emerges from the shadows. Pale gray skin, abyssal eyes glowing red. Kael. He wears a living cloak of liquid shadows. His presence makes Kelvin's seals flicker violently.]
Kael (walking slowly, deep voice):— Tyrus sent me to collect what is his...But I see the vessel is still… fragile.
[Kelvin struggles to stand, defiant.]
Kelvin (strained, furious):— Stay away from me…
Kael (smirking cruelly):— Or what?Will you seal me with your shattered will?You have no idea what truly sleeps within you.
[A flash of radiant gold explodes across the room. Lorien appears between them, his eyes blazing, a sword of light in his hand.]
Lorien:— You won't touch him, creature.As long as I draw breath, Kelvin stands under my light.
Kael (chuckling):— Light…It always shines brightest before it fades.
[Kael slowly retreats into the shadows, vanishing like mist. But his dark energy lingers in the air. Kelvin collapses to his knees, breathing hard. Lorien catches him.]
Lorien (gazing at the darkness):— So… it has begun.
[END OF CHAPTER 30 — NEXT: CHAPTER 31 – Flames and Shadows of the First Clash]