The morning sun crept slowly over the horizon, its golden rays filtering through the skeletal remains of charred trees that dotted the landscape. The acrid smell of old smoke still lingered in the air, mixing with the more pleasant aromas of breakfast being prepared by the camp's workers. Somewhere in the distance, the rhythmic sounds of early morning training echoed across the settlement.
But Kayden was trapped in a darker place.
"You couldn't protect them. Why couldn't you protect them?"
The voice slithered through his mind like poison, each word cutting deeper than the last.
"No... no, I couldn't," he whispered in his sleep, his body tense with anguish.
"That's right. You are weak. Even now, you remain a pathetic, worthless weakling."
"No... I'm not. Get out of my mind!" Kayden's scream tore through the nightmare, his voice raw with desperation.
"You will never be able to protect anyone. Everyone you love will die again because of your weakness." The voice was cold, merciless, speaking with the certainty of absolute truth.
Then came the images—vivid, brutal flashes of that night seven years ago. He watched helplessly as his family was slaughtered before his eyes, their screams echoing in his memory like a symphony of horror.
"No... no... stop it... NO!"
Kayden jolted awake, his body launching upright as if struck by lightning. His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as his heart hammered against his ribs. Cold sweat dripped down his forehead, and his hands trembled as he gripped the rough fabric of his bedding.
"That dream again," he whispered, his voice barely audible, thick with regret and exhaustion.
He shifted to sit properly on the edge of his cot, his feet touching the cold ground. The nightmare clung to him like a shadow, refusing to fade even in the safety of waking. Though he knew it wasn't real—though he told himself it was just his mind playing cruel tricks—Kayden could never shake the fear that followed these dreams. It was a fear that had become as much a part of him as his own heartbeat.
A gentle breeze slipped through a small gap in his tent, carrying with it the warmth of the morning sun. He caught a glimpse of bright light streaming through the opening, magnificent and pure. Despite everything, the sight brought a small smile to his face.
'There's no point worrying about it now,' he thought, forcing himself to stand. Yet even as he tried to dismiss the nightmare, part of his mind remained trapped in its shadows.
He moved to a small wooden table in the corner of his tent, where a clean shirt lay waiting. The fabric was simple but well-made, a luxury in these troubled times. As he pulled it on, his gaze fell upon the dark obsidian blade resting on his bed. The weapon seemed to absorb the morning light, its surface gleaming like captured starlight. He stared at it for a long moment, feeling the weight of its significance, before finally picking it up and securing it to his waist.
The leather belt felt familiar against his hip, a comfort he had grown accustomed to over the years.
Kayden slowly pushed aside the tent flap and stepped into the morning air. The sun's rays washed over him immediately, warm and welcoming. He closed his eyes and tilted his face upward, letting the gentle wind caress his skin. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply exist in this peaceful space.
'This would be a perfect scene if there were still trees,' he thought with a bitter chuckle, remembering what this place had looked like before the war.
"Morning!" a cheerful feminine voice called out from beside him.
Kayden turned toward the sound and saw Carla approaching. She wore her usual green warrior's dress—a practical garment that stopped at her knees, designed for both combat and mobility. Her bow was slung across her back, and a quiver of silver arrows caught the morning light. She moved with the fluid grace of someone comfortable in her own skin, confident and assured.
As she drew closer, the sun seemed to highlight her natural beauty in a way that made Kayden's breath catch. He had always known she was attractive, but something about this morning felt different. She seemed to glow with an inner light that had nothing to do with the sun.
"Hey, Carla. Good morning," Kayden replied, his voice warmer than he had expected.
She stopped a few feet away from him, close enough that he could see the playful glint in her eyes.
"It's rare to see you up this early," she teased, crossing her arms. "You'd usually sleep until noon."
"Is that so?" Kayden said with a nervous chuckle, running a hand through his hair.
Carla's laugh was light and genuine, filling the space between them with warmth.
"I see the new recruits are fitting in well," Kayden observed, nodding toward the assembly of soldiers visible just outside the camp's perimeter. The group was large enough to be easily seen from where they stood, their movements coordinated despite their obvious inexperience.
"Yeah, Elena definitely has a way with words," Carla agreed, following his gaze.
"She's already putting them through morning drills this early?" Kayden commented, impressed despite himself.
As if summoned by their conversation, Elena's voice boomed across the training ground: "Come on, you weaklings! What are you slacking around for? If the Divine Order attacks right now, do you think you'd survive? You'd all be wiped out in seconds! Now give me a hundred laps around the camp!"
"Yes, ma'am!" the recruits responded in unison, though their voices carried unmistakable notes of fear, exhaustion, and regret.
"Poor guys," Kayden said, shaking his head sympathetically. "I wouldn't be able to keep up with that kind of training regimen." He paused, then asked casually, "By the way, where's Maria?"
The change in Carla's expression was subtle but noticeable. Her face became neutral, almost cold—not hostile, but distant in a way that made Kayden's chest tighten.
"She should be training in the forest," Carla replied, her tone carefully even.
"I see," Kayden said, matching her neutral tone.
"Well, I've got to get going. Catch you later," Carla said, turning away with a casual wave.
Kayden watched her walk away, his expression unreadable as conflicting emotions churned in his chest.
---
Deep in the forest, the sounds of intense training echoed through the trees.
*SWISH!*
*SWISH!*
*WHOOSH!*
The wind howled as trees groaned and fell, victims of Maria's relentless practice. Her blade cut through the air with precision, each strike generating powerful gusts that scattered leaves and debris in all directions.
She settled into a familiar stance and began her Lux Flow. Strands of crimson energy spiraled around her blade, transforming its silver surface into the color of fresh blood. A dark red aura began to emanate from her body, visible even in the bright morning light. The energy flowed smoothly, like water finding its course, before suddenly exploding outward in a six-foot radius.
Her Lux energy grew rapidly, but maintained an almost serene quality—like a gentle wave that could destroy mountains. The ground beneath her feet cracked and splintered as small particles of earth began to float upward, defying gravity through sheer force of will.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, she stopped. Her aura faded like dissipating smoke, and her blade returned to its original silver gleam.
"How long are you going to stare?" she asked without turning around, sliding her sword back into its sheath. "I find it uncomfortable to be watched in secret."
A figure emerged from behind a nearby tree, no longer bothering to hide.
"As impressive as always," Kayden said, walking toward her with genuine admiration in his voice.
"A swordsman must always be aware of his surroundings," Maria replied in her characteristic neutral tone. "Every detail must be catalogued and understood." She paused, studying him with sharp eyes. "Also, why are you up so early? You'd normally sleep until noon."
'Seriously, you don't have to exaggerate it that much,' Kayden thought with a sigh.
"So what do you want?" Maria asked, crossing her arms. "If you're looking for practice, we can spar."
Kayden's expression grew serious, the lightness draining from his features. "It happened again."
Maria immediately understood. She watched him for a long moment, her gaze intense and knowing. "I see," she said simply.
"If he revealed himself to you, then that means you're strong enough," Maria continued, moving to sit on a large boulder. "So what did he say?"
"What is the Godsbane?" Kayden asked, his voice carrying the weight of the question.
Maria's entire demeanor shifted, becoming darker and more guarded. "Where did you hear that?" she demanded, her voice cold and stern.
"He told me about it," Kayden replied. He could feel the sudden tension radiating from her, and it confirmed his suspicion that whatever the Godsbane was, it was incredibly important.
"The Flame Primordial told you about the Godsbane?" Maria asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would he do that?"
"I have no idea, but he said I needed to obtain it in order to succeed in our upcoming battle," Kayden answered honestly.
"I see," Maria murmured, more to herself than to him. "But why now?"
Silence fell between them like a heavy curtain. The wind continued to blow through the burnt landscape, carrying the skeletal remains of leaves in its wake.
"Master," Kayden finally spoke, his voice careful and respectful.
"Hmm?" Maria looked up, waiting for his question.
"What exactly is the Godsbane?"