Morning broke with a golden hue spreading across Zareth City. The light spilled into the modest inn rooms where Marcus and Kael were staying, waking them gently. Marcus stretched and rolled out of bed, the scent of bread and spiced tea wafting from the inn's dining area below. After a quick shower and dressing in their gear, the two met over breakfast.
"I've packed everything we'll need," Kael said between bites of honey-glazed toast. "High-calorie rations, extra water, flares, and my new arrows."
Marcus nodded, finishing a piece of fruit. "Let's not waste time. I want to be back before the festival starts."
They loaded their gear into the SUV. Kael took the driver's seat initially, his hands moving smoothly on the wheel as the city slowly faded behind them. Fields and low forests turned into winding paths as they neared the marked location of the ruin.
"You excited for the festival?" Marcus asked, grinning.
Kael snorted. "You mean the food? Yeah. And the dancers."
"I heard they do this sky-lantern ceremony at night. Should be fun."
They shared a light-hearted chuckle, the mood easy until the ruin came into view—a large stone arch standing between two moss-covered hills.
They parked the SUV just outside the gate. The air inside the ruin shimmered, a barrier waiting to be crossed.
"Ready?" Kael asked.
Marcus nodded, tightening the strap on his sheath. "Let's go."
Stepping through the gate, the environment shifted instantly. A lush, green forest spread before them—towering trees, thick undergrowth, and humid air heavy with the scent of wet leaves. Sunlight filtered through the canopy in ethereal beams.
Both instinctively fell into battle stance, eyes scanning, ears alert.
"Something's coming," Marcus muttered.
Kael's fingers went to his quiver. "Big. And many."
Within moments, they burst from the undergrowth—orc-like creatures, green-skinned, heavily muscled, wielding crude weapons and growling with bloodlust.
Marcus dashed forward, the breathing technique synchronizing with the fire in his veins. His blade lit with a blaze of red-orange as he cleaved through the first orc with a clean, explosive strike.
Kael whistled from behind. "Show-off."
Marcus rolled through the horde, his movements fluid and intense. Kael provided cover, unleashing precise arrows laced with wind Prana. Each shot hit a vital point—neck, eye, heart—dropping orcs before they could flank Marcus.
"Your synergy's insane," Kael shouted.
"Told you the breathing helps!"
The field was cleared in moments, smoke and the stench of burning flesh lingering. Marcus exhaled slowly, sheathing his sword.
"That was just the welcoming party," Kael said, scanning ahead. "Let's see where they came from."
They moved deeper through the trees, eliminating scattered orcs as they went, until they came upon a massive clearing. At the center sat a towering throne made of bones. Seated on it was an orc king—easily three meters tall, his muscles like boulders, a massive cleaver resting across his lap.
As if sensing them, he rose.
The earth shook as the orc king charged.
"Big guy's fast!" Kael shouted, jumping aside.
Marcus met the charge head-on, clashing with the cleaver. Sparks flew. The impact threw Marcus back, but he landed smoothly, using his momentum to roll and rebound. Kael launched a barrage of arrows, aiming for the eyes and joints. The king roared, swinging wildly.
Marcus dashed in again, breathing in rhythm. Fire bloomed along his blade.
"Ignition Arc!" he shouted, slashing a searing crescent through the air. The fire sliced across the king's side, making him stumble.
Kael capitalized, launching a piercing arrow into the orc's thigh. The beast howled.
"Tag-team time!" Marcus grinned.
They worked like a machine—Marcus drawing attention with fast, fiery strikes; Kael exploiting every opening with deadly precision. When the king went into a berserk rage, Kael's binding arrow stuck into his foot, slowing his charge just enough for Marcus to leap high and drive his blade deep into the orc's heart, flames exploding out the other side.
The orc king collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Panting, covered in soot and sweat, the two explorers approached a stone chest behind the throne.
Inside, they found riches: gold, a scroll containing the Rapid Arrow Technique, and a flame-forged sword.
"This is yours," Marcus said, handing the scroll to Kael.
Kael grinned. "Guess I'm getting an upgrade."
Marcus picked up the sword. The moment his hand touched it, a warmth pulsed through him. He grinned, swung it—and a trail of fire followed the arc.
"Looks good on you," Kael commented.
"It feels right," Marcus said, eyes gleaming.
They loaded the gold into the SUV.
"Hey, Kael… can I drive back?"
Kael hesitated. "Fine. But don't kill us."
The return trip was… eventful.
"Marcus! That's the edge!"
"I've got it! Chill!"
The SUV swerved slightly before correcting.
"You're making me carsick, and I'm not even prone to motion sickness," Kael groaned.
Marcus sulked. "I just need practice."
Then a distant boom shook the air. Smoke curled over the horizon.
"What was that?" Marcus asked, stunned.
Kael's face darkened. "That's coming from the city."
Marcus quickly pulled over, and they switched seats.
"Let's move."
Kael floored the accelerator.
Few Minutes ago
Meanwhile, in Zareth City, the festival had reached its peak. Bright lanterns hung overhead, food stalls served sizzling meats and sweet treats, and performers danced in circles while musicians played flutes and drums. Children laughed. Vendors called:
"Fresh dumplings! Hot and spicy!"
"Glowing necklaces! Only five credits!"
"Step right up for the best shooting game in town!"
A group of dancers in flowing robes spun on stage, ribbons flying in the air.
Then—an explosion ripped through the plaza.
Panic.
People screamed and scattered. Stalls overturned. A fireball engulfed the stage.
USA enforcers rallied, trying to protect civilians and contain the flames.
From the shadows emerged 20 masked attackers. Their cloaks flicked as they engaged the enforcers with blades and magic. Prana blasts lit the streets.
Far from the chaos, five more masked individuals infiltrated the mayor's estate. Within its halls, guards fought valiantly, but the attackers were skilled, coordinated, and ruthless.
"Find the orb!" the leader barked. "Now!"
Kael and Marcus sped through the gates of the burning city.
"So much for enjoying the festival," Marcus muttered, his eyes wide.
Kael gripped the wheel. "Let's make sure there's still a city left to celebrate."
They drove straight into the chaos—fire, smoke, and steel.
The real battle had just begun.