ARC XXI – "A Knight's Break"
It was July, three months after the relentless attacks of Dark Strom and Jack. The scars were still fresh, but the Dragon Knight team finally got a moment to breathe.
Strom (grinning at his tired but loyal team) – "Man! We should go for a weekend… actually, scratch that. We need vacations."
Astrid (crossing her arms, smirking) – "Yep. Vacations… but where? Chaos seems to follow us everywhere."
Wraith (raising an eyebrow) – "I don't think our knight here is thinking about vacations, Strom. What's really on your mind?"
Strom (throwing his hands up dramatically) – "Easy, guys! I'm bored, okay? Bored of demons, explosions, betrayal, and all that shit. We deserve a break… some moments to enjoy life!"
Sam (leaning back, nodding) – "I'm in, bro. I don't want to see nasty demons again. Seriously, I've been trying not to cry after the last attack."
Wraith – "Yeah… same here. Bored out of my mind too."
Strom (pumping his fist) – "Then it's settled. No armor, no weapons—just us, holidays style."
Wraith (eyes sparkling) – "Finally… a break from demons trying to destroy the world."
Astrid (grinning like a kid) – "No more pain. Only fun. Hell yeah!"
Strom – "And because Wraith's birthday is coming up on July 21… we'll celebrate it on this trip!"
The gang erupted in laughter and excitement, the weight of past battles lifting just enough to let them feel like… normal people for a moment.
Chapter 2: "Packing Shadows"
The morning sun barely touched the village as the Dragon Knight team busied themselves packing for their vacation. But even in their lighter moments, shadows of duty lingered.
Wraith – "I don't want to be alone. I'll share a room with Astrid."
Astrid (grinning) – "Good idea. At least I'll have someone to talk to at 3 AM when I can't sleep."
Strom – "Alright, Sam and I will share a room. Best bros forever."
Sam – "I've got no problem with that, bro."
All bags were packed. Strom and Sam headed to the forge to clean the place before leaving, the mood suddenly heavier.
Strom (serious, voice cold) – "Sam… I need to tell you something."
Sam – "Yes, bro. What is it?"
Strom – "This isn't just a vacation. It's a secret mission."
Sam (groaning) – "Ohhh God… come on, man. Can't you let us have one break?"
Strom – "I wanted to… but you'll understand once you see this."
Strom pulled out a letter, dusty and five months old, from a hidden corner of the forge.
The Letter Read:
"Dear Dragon Knight, I know you will get this letter after months later, but I need to tell you something. After the Apocalypse of Fear, unnatural things have started happening—things that don't feel real. People from our village and neighboring ones have been vanishing. We only find their corpses, headless, and we don't know why. Someone is stealing salt and iron from our homes. My own elder brother became a victim. I saw men wearing vulture-skull masks take him away. I can't tolerate this anymore. Please… come help us. I beg you to Save us."
"From far away, in the land of Elarion Vale, where mountains glow with silver light and rivers sing at night,
I am Susain.
Thank you."
Strom and Sam went silent, the weight of the message pressing down on them.
Sam – "Bro… I didn't know. But now, I'm with you, at any cost."
Strom – "Don't tell the girls. We'll handle this ourselves."
Sam – "Deal sealed. We stop them… no matter what."
They shared a look of unspoken resolve before stepping out of the forge. All four—Strom, Sam, Astrid, and Wraith—settled into a bull-chained vehicle. Their path led to the ship deck, and beyond that… the unknown of Elarion Vale.
Chapter 3 "- The Princess
The four reached the ship deck, excitement buzzing in the salty air. But Strom had something extra in store.
Strom (handing his bag to Sam) – "Hold this, bro. I've got something to take care of."
He strode towards a large wooden box, opening it with a smirk.
Strom – "What's up, Princess? Done running from your mom?"
Princess Ires (struggling, chains clinking) – "Leave me, boy! I'll give money… just leave me alone!"
Everyone froze. Strom was walking on deck with a chained girl—clearly royalty.
Astrid – "Strom… what the hell are you doing?"
Wraith – "You shouldn't treat a girl like this."
Ires – "Help me! He's going to kill me!"
Strom (grinning) – "Shut up, Princess. Listen up, guys. We're headed to Elarion Vale. We don't have the proper currency there, so we'll deliver this princess to her queen mother. She'll pay us so much we can spend our vacation fully… in style."
Sam (smirking) – "So basically… she's our golden ticket."
Strom – "Exactly. If I release her now, she escapes again. But the queen will pay big time for her return."
Astrid – "Wait… why are you running from your mom, Princess?"
Ires – "None of your business!"
Wraith (laughing) – "Okay… so we're going on a luxury vacation with a dead@ss princess. Sounds perfect."
Ires – "Oh, fine! You want money? I'll give ten times more than my mom!"
Strom – "Nah… you don't even have your crown to sell. How would you pay us then?"
Sam – "Man… that was dark."
The group boarded the ship, a sprawling vessel bustling with travelers. Strom led Princess Ires to a luxury royal room while the others settled into their own quarters.
Ires – "How do you know I won't escape?"
Strom casually pinned his glowing blue blade to the main door.
Strom – "I'll keep watching, Princess."
Ires – "Goddamn you…"
Strom – "My pleasure."
Meanwhile, Astrid, Wraith, and Sam were outside, trying to pull the room door.
Astrid – "We can't open it… maybe we need more force."
Strom (laughing as he approaches) – "Hey, what are you doing? Don't break the door."
With a flick of his wrist, Strom pushed the door, and it swung open effortlessly. All three dropped their jaws to the floor. 💀💀💀
Strom – "Not everything works with strength, muscle Mommy. Sometimes you need to use your brain."
With the Princess secured and everyone settling, the ship slowly lifted from the dock, floating across the waves, bound for the mystical lands of Elarion Vale.
Chapter 4: "The Journey"
The ship cut through the waves, but not everyone was enjoying the slow peace.
Wraith (grumbling at Strom) – "We could just sit on Mom's back and fly! Why do we need this slow-as-fu#k ship?"
Strom (smirking) – "Wraith… sometimes you should enjoy the journey, not just rush to the destination."
Astrid – "Okay… but we're traveling more than two days. How long will it take to reach Elarion Vale?"
Strom – "Just a day and a half more."
Sam (pale, rocking slightly from the waves) – "Man… a day and a half? I don't think I'll make it…"
Wraith – "Strom, have you checked the princess? If she tries to escape…"
Strom – "Oh, almost forgot. Let me see."
Strom approached the princess's room, knocking on the door.
Strom – "Yo, Princess… you okay?"
No answer. Frowning, Strom opened the door. In a split second, Princess Ires lunged at him with blue blade.
Strom sidestepped easily, and the princess tumbled to the ground. Calmly, Strom grabbed her blade and lifted her by the arm.
Strom – "Listen, ma'am… we don't want chaos. If you ever try to fight us again, just remember—we're not normal humans."
Ires – "Go away!"
Strom left the room, leaving the princess crying on the floor.
He returned to his friends.
Strom (to Wraith) – "Wraith… your magic is weakening. Your skin is turning blue. Please change form."
Wraith shifted into her human-like form, one of her special blue demon abilities.
Wraith – "Ugh… I have a headache from shape shifting. Need some water."
Astrid – "Okay… I'll bring it. You better sit down."
The journey continued. Laughter, teasing, and small pranks kept spirits high as the horizon slowly approached Elarion Vale.
Strom, however, kept one eye open. He knew this was no ordinary vacation, but he tried not to look suspicious… for now.
Chapter 5: "Elarion Vale Arrival & Vacation Bliss"
The ship finally glided into the shimmering waters of Elarion Vale. Mountains glowed with silver light, and the forests whispered ancient secrets.
Strom – "Alright, guys. Time to rock… but first, let's get the princess."
Strom entered Princess Ires's room. She was sitting near the bed, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Strom – "It's okay Princess… it's your mom. She doesn't want to hurt you."
Ires – "Please leave me… I don't want to go there. She wants me to marry the prince from the nearby village, and I don't want to!"
Strom – "Come on, Princess. It's not the end of the world. Tell your mom what you feel, or maybe talk with the prince in private."
Ires – "Will that work?"
Strom – "Your mom might not listen, but if the prince actually rejects the marriage… then"
Ires – "He loves me madly… he won't!"
Strom (grinning) – "Then take him somewhere empty and… kick him where it hurts. Problem solved."
Ires laughed for the first time, feeling comfortable with Strom. She hugged him tightly.
Ires – "You're not bad, Strom… I wish it were you instead of that dumb prince."
Strom – "Don't worry. You'll find better than me… just crush that prince, okay."
Feeling ready, Ires prepared to face her mom and make her choice. Strom unlocked her chains.
Wraith – "Wait… she might run!"
Ires – "No… I don't think so."
Everyone blinked. For the first time, Princess Ires spoke like she was one of them.
Hours later, they reached the castle.
Strom – "Your Majesty, we've returned your daughter safely."
Ires smiled, glowing with confidence.
Queen Sara – "Alright… here's your reward." (She handed over 500 diamond coins. The team became rich in just two hours.)
Queen Sara (to Ires) – "Come here, and don't even think about running."
Ires walked forward but gave Strom a subtle smile, as if he were the one who saved her, not just brought her back.
Queen Sara – "You'll stay in your room until the guests arrive."
Strom – "Your Highness… I thought it would be better if you spoke with her. Please… give her a chance."
Queen Sara – "You may leave. But I appreciate your work and ideas. It's an honor to have you at the princess's wedding."
Strom – "My pleasure, ma'am."
The team left the castle and headed for a relaxing spot… a cozy house on a plain, backed by a beautiful forest and a small pond with fish. Two swings hung near a tree, and the place felt like heaven.
Strom (to the landlord) – "So… how much per night? We're here for vacation."
Landlord – "10 coins per night, no matter how many people live here."
Strom – "Sounds good. Here's 50 coins… we might stay longer."
Landlord – "Alright. Take care, and don't break anything."
Strom - "Got it, sir."
Inside, they discovered two rooms, a big hall, a classic kitchen, and a bathroom—everything perfect for a peaceful vacation.
Chapter 6: "Rest Before Chaos"
July 15. The team finally arrived at their vacation house, the sun warm and the forest around whispering peace.
Astrid collapsed onto the sofa, utterly drained from traveling.
Astrid – "Please… someone lift me and my bag."
Wraith wandered nearby, smirking.
Wraith – "I can take your bag… but lifting you? Impossible. You're way too heavy."
Sam (looking around in awe) – "Bro… this place is amazing. We could even catch some fish here."
Strom (grinning) – "Yep. We finally made it. Hell yeah… vacation time!"
They ate, talked about the journey, and by the end, all felt as tired as if they had just survived another battle.
Astrid, still half-asleep, whispered from the sofa:
Astrid – "Please… someone take me to my room…"
Sam – "Okay… I'll try."
He strained with all his strength, but Astrid didn't budge. Wraith shook her head.
Wraith – "Sam… you need more training."
Sam – "She's… too heavy."
Strom entered the room, smirking.
Strom – "Let me try."
With ease, Strom lifted Astrid in his arms, careful not to wake her, and climbed the stairs to her room. He gently placed her on the bed.
Strom – "Good night, muscle mommy."
Wraith glared, red-faced, still standing in the hallway.
Strom (teasing) – "What's wrong, demon?"
Wraith – "Take me to my room… like that. That's all."
Strom laughed but obliged, lifting Wraith and carrying her to her room.
Returning downstairs, he found Sam sitting by the window on the sofa.
Strom – "Yo, dude… should I lift you too and take you to the room?"
Sam (laughing) – "Nah, I'm fine. I'll go myself."
(Silently, Sam thought about Susain.)
Strom – "Take some rest. Don't tell anyone. We'll handle Susain fully… secretly."
Finally, the team all went to sleep, peace settling over the house.
But in the shadows, a dark figure watched from afar, unseen by anyone.
As Strom drifted off, his thoughts lingered.
Strom's thoughts – "Please, Susain… be safe. I'm almost there. I'll make them pay for your brother."
The forest whispered, the night deepened, and the calm before the storm stretched across Elarion Vale…
Chapter 7: "Susain's Secret"
July 16. The village celebrated Princess Ires's safe return with a grand farewell. Laughter, music, and joy filled the streets.
Astrid and Wraith wandered through shops, buying treats and snacks, while Strom and Sam pretended to join them—but really, they had other plans.
Strom – "Let's wander a bit, Sam."
Sam – "Sure… lie to them and go straight to Susain's house, right?"
Hours later, they arrived at a modest home. Strom knocked. The door opened to reveal not Susain, but her father.
Susain's Father – "Yes? How can I help you?"
Strom – "Hello, sir. I'm an old friend of Susain. May we speak with her?"
The father laughed heartily.
Susain's Father – "Oh boy… you really don't know how to lie. Come in."
Awkward but determined, Strom and Sam entered. Inside, Susain's mother and Layla( her 10 years old little sister), sat waiting. The father continued, laughing and crying at the same time.
Susain's Father – "See… two guys claiming to be Susain's friends. How could we believe anyone would know her?"
Susain's Mother – "You've come here just to pour salt on our wounds."
Strom tried to explain, but the family ordered them out. Outside, both men sighed in frustration.
Sam – "Dude… we're done. How can we know what happened?"
Strom – "Wait here. She'll come."
Minutes later, Layla appeared, carrying a small box, tears streaming down her face. She approached them, trembling.
Strom (kneeling slightly) – "Hey, little one. I know you miss your siblings. Tell me anything you know—I promise I'll help."
Layla – "You're telling the truth?"
Strom – "I swear."
With shaking hands, Layla revealed the terrible truth:
Susain was no longer fully well; she could not speak properly. People called her mentally ill, but she had been trying to warn her family about what she saw.
Her brother believed her and tried to investigate—but became a victim.
Eventually, Susain herself became a victim of the same mysterious, vulture-skull-masked group.
Layla had written a letter to the Dragon Knights months ago, hoping for help, but her sister was captured before anyone could act.
Layla's sobs shook them, but Strom and Sam stayed calm, comforting her.
Strom – "Hey sister!… be strong. I promise, we'll find whoever did this."
Sam – "Yeah. Don't worry. Your sister isn't mad she is brave. We'll stop them."
Layla finally nodded, starting to believe in their promise.
Layla – "Before I leave… this box has everything my sister collected as evidence."
Strom opened it to find feathers, skull masks, sketches, and blood-stained weapons.
Strom – "Thanks. We'll make them pay for everything they've done."
They left the house, box in hand, determination burning in their eyes.
Strom (walking with Sam) – "We need to find them… anywhere, anytime."
Sam – "They'll see what we're made of."
The shadows of Elarion Vale seemed darker now, as if sensing the Dragon Knights were closing in.
Chapter 8: "Night Hunt & Blood-Cloth Mystery"
That evening, Strom and Sam returned to the house after hiding the box of Susain's evidence. They found Wraith and Astrid completely wasted, staggering from the effects of the ancient fruit juice they had downed earlier.
Sam – "Yo… bro, check this out. Our girls are totally wasted. Any ideas?"
Strom – "Yep. First, we piss off those boys lurking nearby and get them home safely."
Nearby, some village boys had been trying to take advantage of the girls' state. Strom and Sam approached, attempting to reason with them—but the boys ignored their words.
With a calm smirk, Strom and Sam demonstrated their martial skills, avoiding magic or powers, just raw fighting technique. The boys were instantly intimidated and ran off. Strom and Sam then carefully guided Astrid and Wraith back to the house.
Astrid (slurring) – "I want more fruit juice…"
Wraith – "Me too…"
Strom – "Nope. You've already had enough."
Sam – "Seriously, who told you two to drink that much?"
Astrid – "Please, babe… just one more…"
Sam – "Not a single drop!"
The two girls burst into tears, like children losing their favorite toys.
Strom (sighing) – "Okay… okay, fine. But first, let's get home."
Everyone agreed, finally reaching the house safely. After a late dinner, they all went to sleep, exhausted from the day.
But Strom couldn't rest. He woke Sam quietly.
Strom – "Sam… wake up. Let's wander a bit. I want to see if we can find more clues."
Wraith and Astrid were in deep sleep from the fruit juice's lingering effects, snoring softly. The night was quiet, perfect for stealth.
As they walked through the forest surrounding the house, shadows shifted. Suddenly, a figure appeared: a man in full black robes, his face hidden behind a vulture-skull mask.
Before Strom or Sam could react fully, the masked man attacked. Quick and deadly, he escaped into the darkness, leaving behind a torn piece of his black cloak.
The two men returned to the house at dawn, examining the cloth carefully.
Strom – "This isn't just a normal black cloth… I can smell blood on it."
Sam – "Exactly. See the deep white fibers stained with blood, then magically darkened with mana-fire to absorb all light? That makes it pitch black at night. No ordinary man could pull this off."
Strom – "We need more clues. Who are these people… and why are they doing this?"
Sam – "What about Wraith and Astrid? They'll find out we snuck out."
Strom (smirking) – "Nah… that fruit juice knocked them out completely. They won't know a thing."
Sam – "Hell yeah… Alcohol is just built different."
The early morning sun peeked over Elarion Vale. Strom and Sam were more determined than ever. With a single bloodied piece of cloth, they now had a tangible lead—and the hunt for the vulture-skull cult had officially begun.
Chapter 9: "Clues & Preparation"
July 17, morning. The team gathered around the dining table, sipping tea.
Wraith – "My head… it feels like it's going to burst."
Astrid – "This headache… it might actually take me."
Sam (grinning) – "Wow… two 'alcoholics' talking about headaches. Pretty impressive."
Astrid – "Sam! That's not alcohol, it's fruit juice… I think."
Strom – "But you two were completely wasted because of it. If we don't reach in time, some bad stuff could happen." (referring to the boys near them)
Wraith – "That's not fair… I can't even look like a demon, have to act like a human girl just to enjoy vacation."
Sam – "It keeps you safe, that's all."
Strom – "Exactly. Enjoy vacation in your own way… we'll enjoy ours as true bros."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Wraith and Astrid went wandering; Strom and Sam got more freedom to investigate.
Strom – "Okay, if you two want that fruit juice, I'll bring it."
Astrid & Wraith (simultaneously) – "Yes, please!"
Sam (laughing) – "Two alcoholics at the same time… awesome."
After a few hours, the team split.
Wraith & Astrid explored the festival market, tasting fruits, watching performances, and enjoying the culture.
Strom & Sam visited places linked to previous victims: shops, houses, and palaces from Susain's sketches.
But almost nobody would talk. People either didn't know anything or were too scared to speak.
Finally, Strom and Sam sat on a bench, frustrated.
Strom – "Fuck that shit… we're helpless."
Sam – "We need to find if any witness is alive."
Strom – "Does that even matter? We can't bring them back, and villagers won't talk."
Sam – "So… you still plan to bring that fruit juice for them?"
Strom – "Bro… it's the only thing that will knock them into deep sleep."
Sam – "Then we can investigate at night. Smart idea."
Strom – "Those vulture-hunters only show up at night. We need to prepare."
Sam – "First, we need to be silent as f—, and patients. Can't rush this."
Strom – "Exactly. But I feel this is connected to the Demon Lord… the Apocalypse of Fear."
Sam – "Why?"
Strom – "It all started after that. This is our first time handling something beyond our normal level—outsiders in this village, something really bad happening."
Sam – "Don't worry, bro. We'll cook them."
Though they had no real evidence yet, both knew one thing: they wouldn't stop until they uncovered the truth and stopped the vulture-skull cult.
Chapter 10: "Hunters & Hidden Truths"
Night had fallen over Elarion Vale. Sam and Strom quietly prepared the girls' "fruit juice" potion. Within minutes, Wraith and Astrid were out cold, sleeping like pigs.
Strom – "Not this time… I won't let them run."
Sam – "Should I use magic? Last time he escaped because we hold back."
Strom – "Most villagers are asleep. At night, people fear to look outside. We're free to use our powers."
Sam – "Bro… our time has come."
They moved silently, slipping through the shadows. Soon, they spotted three vulture-hunters: black-clad, bloodied weapons, skull masks, and terrifying as f—.
Strom and Sam approached stealthily, but the hunters noticed them and attacked.
Quick and precise, Strom and Sam used a mix of hand-to-hand combat and magic. Within moments, all three hunters were unconscious.
Strom removed the mask of the first hunter. The man muttered something in an ancient, spell-like language. Sam slapped him instant.
Sam – "Wake up!"
To their surprise, the hunters weren't inherently evil. They were hypnotized, controlled by someone else, completely blank-minded. Not a single one even remembered their name.
Morning – July 18.
Strom and Sam sat, reflecting on the night's events. Wraith and Astrid were outside, chilling on the swings.
Suddenly, villagers appeared, holding burning torches. They ignored the heroes at first, but soon started attacking.
No one could even use magic or powers—any display would make them labeled monsters. They tried to stay calm, acting like ordinary humans.
One villager even slapped Wraith. Strom's temper flared. Raw strength only—no powers—he beat back the attackers, sending them fleeing.
Afterwards, everyone checked injuries. Some were bleeding lightly.
Strom (hugging Wraith) – "Are you okay, demon?"
Wraith – "Feeling better now."
They used ice and hot water to soothe pain.
Astrid – "If you hadn't attacked, Strom… I swear I'd rip them apart for touching my friends."
Sam – "Why even attack? We didn't do anything."
Strom – "I don't know… but let's forget it for now. Chill. Next time, we'll piss them off properly."
Wraith – "Maybe we should just leave this place."
Strom – "What about your birthday? Want to celebrate on the ship?"
Astrid – "It's okay, Wraith. I promise… I won't let any MF touch you ever again."
That night, everyone slept—but Strom and Sam remained awake, planning their next move.
Twist: Wraith and Astrid didn't actually drink the fruit juice. At midnight, they quietly realized Strom and Sam had left to investigate.
Chapter 11: "The Goat Shaman"
Night. Strom and Sam were out investigating, unaware that Wraith and Astrid were following silently, moving like shadows without a sound.
Deeper in the forest, Strom spotted a faint light. They approached cautiously, unaware the girls were close behind.
Behind a massive rock, they peeked—and their jaws dropped.
Over 200 shamans in vulture-skull masks danced in a circle, holding crow-skull staffs, chanting in eerie unison.
Wraith ( shouting) – "So… the boys came to see shamans dance, huh?"
Before anyone could react, the shamans attacked with high-damage spells, staff strikes, and clawed assaults. Within seconds, all four warriors were knocked unconscious.
When they awoke, their hands were chained. Strom hissed quietly:
Strom – "Don't break the chains. Let the leader come."
The leader appeared: a massive man taller than any normal man, wearing a goat-skull mask, one hand missing, holding a staff topped with a human skull. Beside him, a tall, imposing assistant in an owl-skull mask and black dress, radiating lethal intent.
Goat Shaman Leader – "So… someone dares to stop me?"
Sam struggled to suppress laughter, but at end he can't.
Sam – "Bro… imagine this guy at a birthday party, expecting claps 🤣🤣🤣"
Strom tried to hold it in, but eventually burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Strom – "Bro… this guy can't be real!"
The Goat Shaman stomped his staff angrily, silencing them. They gritted their teeth, trying not to laugh.
The Owl Shaman then removed her mask… revealing the unthinkable: Princess Ires 😳
Strom ( suprise)– "Wait… Princess Ires? Why?"
Ires – "Strom… remember what you told me about hitting the prince? Look what I brought."
She opened a pouch, revealing the severed head of the prince. Shock froze everyone in place.
Ires confessed her love for black magic and her resentment toward the queen's arranged marriage. She had joined the shaman clan, collecting skulls and killing innocents.
The Goat Shaman explained the ritual: using salt to melt flesh from skulls, iron to bind them, creating a body of skull and iron. Once 100,000 heads were collected, the Demon Lord could possess the body and return.
They showed a mirror: only two glowing red eyes and a wide, sinister smile—the Demon Lord watching.
Goat Shaman – "We have 99,996 skulls. Now… the four of you. Then my master will return."
The Goat Shaman raised a massive sword. Strom laughed.
Strom – "You guys want to fight him?"
All three shook their heads simultaneously.
Strom – "Good. Mom!… dinner time."
Dravyss appeared in a terrifying display of power. The shamans panicked. With a single, monstrous strike, Dravyss devoured the Goat Shaman and several evil shamans, sparing only those hypnotized.
Dravyss stepped toward Princess Ires—but Strom intervened.
Strom – "No, Mom. Not her."
Ires broke down, realizing she was alone. Strom approached and slapped her hard, shocking her into clarity.
Strom – "I don't want to blame you… but you deserve this."
The gang left, leaving Ires behind in the silent forest.
Strom (while walking away) – "Princess… I believe you can change. Please… try to change yourself."
The forest returned to eerie silence, the ritual and danger vanquished—for now.
Chapter 12: "Healing & Celebration"
After leaving the forest, Strom suddenly remembered something. Spotting a large rock, he dashed back toward the shattered shaman site.
Strom – "I'll be back in a moments."
He reached the ritual ground. Princess Ires was still crying near the mirror. Without hesitation, Strom hurled the rock, shattering it. The reflection of the Demon Lord vanished instantly.
Strom grabbed Ires's hand and led her out of the forest with the gang.
Outside, Strom knelt beside Ires.
Strom – "You can still be a better person. If the queen had treated you like a mother instead of a ruler…"
Ires remembered the past—the neglect, the harsh expectations, the lack of love from her own mother. Tears streamed down her face. Strom held her gently.
Strom – "See? You can change. No one knows anything you've done. Just… move forward."
Ires – "Please… don't leave me."
Strom handed her his blue blade.
Strom – "Take it. Remember… I'm always with you, okay?"
Ires hugged him tightly.
Ires – "I wish I had met you earlier."( Frist time she regret her choice to love black magic )
The gang finally left the forest, heading back toward their vacation home.
On the way, Strom addressed the gang:
Astrid – "Okay, but don't you dare talk to that princess ever again."
Wraith – "Yes. Astrid's right… that bitch."
Strom – "She's not evil, guys. She's broken inside. She deserved love, just like anyone."
Sam – "Yeah… it's all about how the world shapes you. She's a product of bad parenting, that's all."
Everyone nodded in agreement and returned home to rest.
Next morning – July 19.
Strom – "Alright, guys! Today, we enjoy the festival, drink some fruit juice, and make the most of our vacation!"
Everyone cheered, laughter echoing through Elarion Vale.
They celebrated Wraith's 20th birthday amidst the festival lights, delicious food, and joyous music. For once, no demons, no threats—just friends together, enjoying life.
ARC XXI closed with the gang happy, united, and stronger than ever.