Somewhere deep within the Vortex Mountains…
Slicing winds howled around the cliffs as Hayate, the enigmatic leader of the Guild Vortex, stood firm with his eyes closed. His breath was steady, timed. Each inhale... each exhale... moved with purpose.
Before him stood a tall, masked figure wrapped in faded white robes – his master, a legendary swordsman known only as The Blade Monk. With a single motion, the monk vanished.
ZSHHH!
A blur of wind danced around Hayate. The sound of the blade splitting the air echoed like a whisper from the gods.
"You are rushing again," the monk's voice rang behind him.
Hayate grit his teeth. "I just want to master this technique before it's too late."
"Then breathe," the master replied calmly. "Let your sword dance with your lungs. Your enemy will not wait – but your soul must."
Hayate closed his eyes again.
In... out... in... out...
Meanwhile, at the Guild Phoenix HQ…
The morning sun barely touched the sky, but inside the training hall, three familiar figures were already assembled.
Inavy Stormbreak, arms crossed, stood with a serious glint in his eyes.Darius Valtier, still yawning, rubbed his eyes like a child pulled out of bed. Rose Eldara, seated calmly, her eyes blazing with focus, was already prepared.
From the door, Diana Flamesoul entered holding a clipboard.
"Alright, team. Let's begin—"
"Wait, wait, wait," Darius interrupted, stretching. "Diana-sensei, why did you call us so early? I was having such a good dream…"
Inavy side-eyed him. "You're always so careless. It's hard to believe you're Lorien's brother."
"Huh?! What did you just say?" Darius squinted.
"You heard me," Inavy replied flatly.
The two immediately leaned toward each other, faces close like bickering siblings.
"I'm warning you, Stormbreak…"
"Oh no, what are you gonna do? Yawn me to death?"
Just as they were about to start throwing punches, Rose stepped forward, her eyes glowing ominously red.
"Enough, both of you. Now."
They froze mid-motion, awkwardly staring at her like scolded children. Rose crossed her arms.
"That's better."
Diana burst out laughing. "You three remind me so much of my old squad…"
Inavy turned to her, raising a brow. "Really?"
"Oh yes. And believe it or not, Lorien, back when he was Darius's age, was worse."
Darius gasped. "No way."
Inavy smirked. "Define 'worse.'"
Diana chuckled. "Lazy. Arrogant. Thought he was the best thing to happen to the planet. He was unbearable. Honestly, not much has changed, but at least he's not lazy anymore."
They all laughed. Then Diana's expression softened.
"Inavy, you actually remind me a lot of someone too… Kai. He was part of my team once. Brilliant, strong… but he died young."
Inavy looked down for a second. "Well, no offense… but I'm planning on staying alive."
Rose rolled her eyes. "She said you remind her of him, dummy. Not that you're gonna die."
She elbowed him gently.
"And to think you're supposed to be the smartest out of the three of us."
Inavy grinned. "Still smarter than Darius."
"Wow," Darius raised his hands. "You're real funny today, huh? Let's not forget who the comic relief is supposed to be."
The banter filled the room with light-hearted warmth. But beyond these laughs, something darker was growing – and the calm before the storm had never felt so bright.