The group followed Caelus for quite some time, walking through a path lined with tall grass swaying softly in the breeze. Wildflowers bloomed in every color around them, and the hum of bees filled the warm air. Butterflies drifted lazily over the petals, painting the scene with motion and life. It felt peaceful, almost too peaceful, considering what everyone had thought a mythical ruins would be like.
After a while, the scenery began to shift. What first looked like an endless meadow suddenly revealed a large mansion standing in the middle of it, as if it had appeared out of nowhere. The structure was grand, tall white walls, elegant windows, and a roof of dark slate tiles that gleamed under the sunlight. Surrounding it were wide iron gates and carefully kept gardens that stretched in every direction. A fountain stood proudly at the center of the courtyard, its clear water catching the light like diamonds as it fell.
For a moment, no one spoke. The mansion gave off a strange feeling, almost magical, as though it was hidden from the world until they stepped close enough to see it.
Caelus turned to the others with a small smile. "We've arrived," he said simply.
The gates opened slowly, creaking faintly, and the group entered. Their footsteps echoed on the stone path leading to the front doors. Even from a distance, they could see several figures waiting at the entrance, people who clearly carried themselves with confidence and strength.
As they approached, one of the waiting figures crossed his arms and said with a half-grin, "Cero really sent a lot of people this time."
Alex chuckled softly in response. "Well, things happen. These two groups here are with Redwake. The Rising Heroes and Wind Chasers. Don't underestimate them, they're young, sure, but they've already proven they're talented."
While Alex spoke, one of the Astra Axis members stepped forward slightly, their eyes scanning over the newcomers with sharp focus. The way they observed was almost clinical, every movement, every stance, every little reaction. It made some of the Rising Heroes uneasy. Lila shifted slightly under the gaze, while Drakar frowned, his hand resting near his weapon. Even Adrian looked a bit uncomfortable. From the Wind Chasers, Rosa raised an eyebrow, and Rok narrowed his eyes as if silently challenging the stranger to keep staring.
Noticing the tension, another Astra Axis member behind the observer sighed and gave an apologetic look, as if to say, Please forgive them, they don't mean any harm.
Caelus stepped forward before things could get awkward and, without hesitation, grabbed the one doing the analyzing by the collar and lifted them slightly off the ground. "Alright, enough of that," he said with a calm smile. "Let me properly introduce everyone."
The person he held up smiled sheepishly as Caelus turned to the group. "This curious girl is Iria, our very own Shining Star."
Iria grinned, her bright eyes sparkling as she waved cheerfully at the others. Her robes shimmered faintly under the sunlight, lined with delicate patterns that almost seemed to glow. "Hi! It's so nice to meet you all! I've known about some of you!" she said, her voice full of energy.
Despite her young age, something about her felt extraordinary, a light, both pure and powerful, that seemed to brighten the air around her.
Next, Caelus motioned to a tall man standing beside a large silver-blue wolf. "And this is Lucien, known as the Chilling Fire. The wolf beside him is Lunis."
Lucien gave a slight nod, his expression calm and unreadable. His armor was simple but elegant, faintly glowing with fire-like veins that pulsed softly beneath the metal. The spear in his hand burned with a quiet ember at its tip, though it gave off no smoke.
The wolf beside him was majestic, its fur shimmered like the night sky reflected on water, and its eyes glowed with the same calm light as the moon. When it looked at them, it was almost as if Lunis could see through them.
"Lucien doesn't talk much," Caelus said lightly. "But don't take that as coldness. He's dependable, and once he's decided to protect someone, he'll stand against anything to keep them safe."
Lucien didn't respond, but there was a faint flicker of respect in his gaze.
Then, Caelus turned toward a woman dressed in soft pastel robes who stood nearby, holding a staff with a small crystal that glowed warmly. "She's Clara, the heart of Astra Axis. Our Gentle Radiance."
Clara smiled softly and bowed her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," she said kindly. Her voice carried a warmth that made everyone feel at ease instantly. Her presence was gentle, like a calm light in the middle of chaos. Even the ones who had been on edge relaxed a little.
"She's our healer," Caelus added. "But more than that, she's the one who keeps us from falling apart, both in body and spirit."
Next, a man with wild hair and a grin that looked far too confident for comfort waved dramatically. "And that over there is Tovren," Caelus continued, sounding almost tired when he said the name.
"Frenzy Freak, at your service!" Tovren said with a laugh, spinning one of his rune-covered gauntlets around his finger. "I punch things, break things, and sometimes, rarely, fix things! Depends on the day!"
Everyone looked at him with a mix of confusion and amusement. His clothes were rugged, with random trinkets attached to them, feathers, small buttons, shiny coins. He noticed Lila staring at one and winked. "Ah, this one? Found it under a dragon's nest! Brings luck!"
Caelus sighed but smiled faintly. "He's unpredictable, but there's no one better when you need something impossible done."
Finally, Caelus gestured to the man who had remained silent the entire time, standing slightly apart from the others. "And the last one, our strongest blade. The veteran of Astra Axis Morwen."
Morwen bowed his head slightly, his sharp eyes glancing across the new arrivals. His movements were precise, deliberate, and calm. The katana at his side reflected the sunlight, a clean silver flash that spoke of countless battles.
He didn't speak, but he didn't need to. His presence alone was enough. Everyone felt the quiet authority he carried, the calm confidence of a man who had seen countless wars and survived them all.
Caelus looked at everyone gathered, the young blood and the veteran, and said, "These are the members of Astra Axis. You'll be working with them from now on. Learn from them, and they'll learn from you."
For a brief moment, no one spoke. The wind brushed through the garden, carrying the faint scent of flowers and the soft sound of the fountain behind them.
Then, Caelus stepped forward, motioning toward the doors of the mansion. "Let's head inside," he said. "We have must not wait time. And remember stay calm, no matter what you see inside"
And with that, the great doors of the mansion slowly opened, welcoming the new arrivals.