The fading sun cast a warm amber glow over the courtyard of the Mythic Base, stretching shadows across the stone tiles as Arslan and the rest of the Mythic-ranked members stepped back inside through the golden archway. The day's hunt had left them bruised, thoughtful — and stronger.
A gentle breeze rustled through the hanging crystal-laced ivy overhead, and the bluish energy lamps along the courtyard walls began to hum faintly to life. Their base was always a blend of magic and stone — ancient, yet alive. The courtyard, in particular, had become their favorite spot — open, peaceful, and filled with echoes of their conversations and training clashes.
Arslan sat on the edge of the central fountain, its runic water channels shimmering faintly. Tharion leaned against a stone bench, arms crossed, eyes on the horizon.
Tharion stretched, the earth beneath his boots giving a slight rumble as he released a low breath. "We have three days left to reach Kaivelle for the event... But only two days for training. That's not much."
Orien brushed his fingers through his silver-streaked hair and added, "And we still don't know what the event's rules will be. No idea how the trials will begin."
Arslan, seated with his arms resting on his knees, replied in his usual calm but determined tone, "Then we'll have to surpass our limits in these two days. We train, we adapt, and we dominate."
Nirela, standing beside a low bush blooming with moon-blossoms, smiled slightly. "We will win the event at any cost. It's not just about power—it's about showing who we are."
A soft breeze passed through the courtyard as silence followed her words. The group absorbed the weight of their responsibility.
Arslan stood, brushing off dust from his sleeves. "Let's rest for a bit. After two hours, we'll begin training. For now... let's enjoy some tea."
Laughter broke the tension. Yuna and Vaelith nodded and began gathering cups and herbs, while Milo, Seris, and Kyren found a shaded spot under the arching roots of the crystal tree that grew near the fountain.
Later, the scent of brewed herbs filled the courtyard. A table had been set with small cups and a clay kettle glowing with soft heat. Laughter returned, briefly, as stories from the demon site spilled across the table.
Nirela returned with a cup and offered it to Arslan.
> Nirela, quiet but firm: "You'll avoid getting close to Queen Maria."
Arslan blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.
> Arslan: "Why do you think she'll even come close to me?"
Nirela avoided his gaze for a heartbeat. Her hands trembled slightly as she poured herself tea.
> Nirela: "My heart and mind... they have bad guts about her."
He reached forward and gently held her hand. His touch was warm despite the courtyard breeze.
> Arslan, softly: "Stop thinking about it. I am yours... and I will always be yours."
She gave a faint smile, eyes misted with quiet warmth.
> Nirela, smiling: "I brought you tea... to calm your fire."
They sipped in silence for a moment, the wind whispering through the carved spires above.
As the sun dipped behind the towering cliffs encircling the Mythic Base, the group headed toward the training ground — a grand arena etched into the rock, alive with pulsing runes and floating practice targets. Crystals hovered above them, glowing softly, attuned to magic.
Arslan stood at the center, his cloak flaring with energy as he turned to face the rest.
> Arslan: "Each of you holds power most can't even imagine. But now... you'll go beyond that. You'll unlock something new — something only your soul can shape."
He raised a hand, dark energy swirling around his palm.
> Arslan: "To gain a new skill... feel your core. Listen. And push beyond pain."
Each Mythic stepped forward, forming their stance, energy crackling around them.
🔸 Vaelith Ren (Life Restoration)
Vaelith closed his eyes, green tendrils spiraling from his hands. He reached into a withering tree near the arena wall, and it blossomed with golden vines.
> New Skill: Nature's Pulse – Sends healing shockwaves across a radius.
> Vaelith, amazed: "It heals... everything it touches."
---
🔸 Ismere Daeva (Blood Echo)
Her hands pulsed red. She clenched her fists, and a shadow clone of herself formed beside her, a construct of living blood.
> New Skill: Crimson Mirror – Creates a clone that mimics her attacks.
> Ismere, smirking: "Finally... someone I can trust to have my back."
🔸 Tharion Vale (Earthshock)
With a stomp, stone spears erupted around him.
> New Skill: Quake Cage – Traps enemies in a prison of moving stone.
> Tharion: "Perfect for keeping fools grounded."
---
🔸 Nirela Quen (Moonlight Control)
She lifted her hands to the sky, her body shimmering as moonlight spiraled into her blade.
> New Skill: Lunar Divide – Slashes that leave glowing aftershock cuts.
> Nirela: "It's beautiful… and deadly."
---
🔸 Caelis Morvayn (Frostbind)
Caelis focused, breath visible even in the warm air. His aura froze the very wind.
> New Skill: Frozen Rift – Tears open a rift of ice that slows and freezes enemies.
> Caelis: "It cuts... through space itself."
---
🔸 Yuna Solthrae (Healing Pulse)
Her aura bloomed golden. She knelt, and a healing dome pulsed outward.
> New Skill: Sanctum Glow – An area-of-effect heal that shields allies.
> Yuna, smiling: "No one falls under my watch."
---
🔸 Ravik Durn (Stone Armoring)
He slammed his fists, and thick armor coated his body like a second skin.
> New Skill: Granite Form – Temporarily becomes immune to knockback and pain.
> Ravik: "Good luck breaking me now."
---
🔸 Seris Vahla (Toxin Manipulation)
Green vapors coiled from her arms. She tossed a needle-like dart that exploded in gas.
> New Skill: Venom Swarm – Launches toxin darts that track targets.
> Seris, grinning: "You run, you rot."
---
🔸 Orien Dravell (Soulflash)
His body glowed blue. He raised his arms — a blast of soul energy scorched the air.
> New Skill: Wraithburst – Fires spiritual energy that paralyzes.
> Orien: "A burst of the soul... clean and precise."
---
🔸 Maelis Kyrn (Flora Rejuvenation)
She sang a low melody. Flowers surged from the ground, wrapping allies.
> New Skill: Verdant Embrace – Regenerates wounds over time and boosts defense.
> Maelis: "Nature... sings louder when we listen."
---
🔸 Tarric Vohl (Thunderstep)
He vanished — then reappeared in a crack of thunder across the field.
> New Skill: Sky Veil Dash – Teleport-blink laced with a lightning arc.
> Tarric: "Let's see them try to catch me now."
---
🔸 Zhalya Neris (Blood Sight)
Her pupils glowed crimson. She tracked a falling leaf with terrifying precision.
> New Skill: Vein Lock – Marks a target's weak points through blood flow.
> Zhalya: "Your blood always betrays you."
---
🔸 Kyren Daxe (Heat Pulse)
He struck his fists together — waves of heat blasted outward.
> New Skill: Infernal Wave – Burn wave that expands with each heartbeat.
> Kyren: "Heat rises... with my anger."
---
🔸 Elyra Thorne (Emotion Freeze)
Tears shimmered as she focused. Her aura chilled the field.
> New Skill: Heart Lock – Freezes target in place by severing emotional will.
> Elyra: "You'll feel... nothing."
---
🔸 Malrik Envor (Rune Surge)
Runes formed midair. He whispered — and they ignited, forming a wall of moving sigils.
> New Skill: Rune Prison – Encases enemies in magical seals.
> Malrik: "A trap... made of language."
---
🔸 Arslan (Dark Energy Manipulation)
As the others mastered their skills, Arslan stood alone in the center. Chains of black aura snapped around him. He whispered under his breath — a new pulse echoed outward.
> New Skill: Void Lash – A whip of dark energy that steals power from anything it strikes.
> Arslan, calmly: "Now... we begin."
As the final rays of sunlight bled through the crystal towers, the courtyard shimmered in twilight. The Mythics were drained, sweat clinging to their skin, breaths sharp... but they stood proud.
Their bodies trembled, but their eyes burned with purpose.
> Arslan, standing tall: "Tomorrow, we push harder. We've awakened something new tonight... And the world will feel it."
A silence followed. And then, almost all at once, they smiled.
Their spirit was high — and for the first time in days, even fear seemed to step back from them.