Alex moved through the dense foliage, his eyes scanning the undergrowth with practiced ease. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a familiar aroma that spoke of the forest's ancient heart.

  He pushed aside a curtain of vines, his fingers brushing against the velvety petals of a night-blooming flower.

  "Almost there," he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. He knew the Angel Flowers favored secluded, sun-dappled glades, places where the light touched the earth in gentle, golden fingers.

  He spotted a cluster of the flowers nestled amongst a patch of moss-covered stones. Their luminous petals, a delicate shade of lavender, seemed to glow softly in the filtered sunlight.

  He knelt down, his movements careful, and began to harvest the blooms, his fingers gently plucking each flower from its stem.

  "Twenty-three, twenty-four..." he counted softly, placing each flower into a small satchel at his side. He worked with a quiet efficiency, his movements fluid and precise.

  Nearby, Vicky sat tending to Ebony, cleaning his wounds. She worked diligently, her brow furrowed in concentration. The solution she applied to his scars had a faint, herbal scent, its purpose to soothe and prevent infection.

  She glanced up as Alex approached, a weary smile gracing her lips. "How many did you find?" she asked, her voice soft.

  "Twenty-eight," Alex replied, holding up the satchel. "Almost there."

  He moved to sit beside Ebony, his gaze drawn to the bard's injuries.

  "He took quite a beating," he observed, his voice tinged with concern.

  "He'll be alright," Vicky assured him, her tone confident. "He's stubborn, that one."

  Alex chuckled softly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "That he is."

  He turned back to the task at hand, carefully placing the newly gathered flowers into the satchel.

  "Two more," he murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings once more.

  As he searched, he couldn't help but reflect on the events that had transpired.

  The battle with the centaurs, the encounter with Pyrrhus...it had all been a whirlwind of chaos and violence.

  And yet, amidst the turmoil, he had witnessed a spark of resilience, a flicker of defiance in Ebony's eyes.

  He spotted two more Angel Flowers, their delicate beauty a stark contrast to the brutality they had just witnessed.

  He carefully harvested the final blooms, a sense of completion washing over him.

  "Thirty," he announced, holding up the satchel. "We have enough."

  Vicky nodded, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. "Then let's go. I want to get Ebony back to safety as soon as possible."

  Alex walked back with a cheery look on his face because of Ebony's progress. He showed him all the flowers he counted, all 30 of them. He showed how he completed the quest.

  Ebony, in pain, appreciated it. He simply said, "Well done. It's good we completed it."

  Vicky patched up Ebony and grabbed a cloth to wipe the blood and herbal cream off her fingers, now comfortable after tending the wounds.

  She said, "Okay, so since we finished the Angel Flower quest, I think it's probably best we just go find that goat. We can just tell Wyatt we changed our mind, and Pyrrhus ended up taking care of the cargo," she said with a caring tone.

  Ebony didn't respond. He had his head down, not entirely agreeing with that thought.

  Then Vicky and Alex looked at each other, thinking they had said something wrong.

  Then she asked, "I'm sorry, Leader. Is there something wrong?"

  Ebony responded, not moving his head, "No, you didn't say anything wrong."

  Then she confirmed, "Okay, good. So we could probably just head back to Dimito, you know, and just probably do some smaller quests instead of taking the big ones.

  Then we can handle the really tough ones when we're ready, right, Leader?" she said confidently, trying to get him to say yes.

  Alex rose to his feet, his gaze lingering on Ebony for a moment longer. "Agreed," he said, his voice firm. "Let's go."

  Ebony stopped them from picking him up and decided to get up himself. And then he responded. "Actually, I want to go back to that cargo and take it to Glottis, like we were told."

  Both companions were shocked and confused at the news that, despite him almost dying, they were going back to finish that cargo where the centaurs were still present.

  Both of them still had a very worried look on their faces. They both looked at him, their expressions a mix of "What?" and "Why are we going back?" They were themselves, visibly terrified.

  Ebony saw the expression on their faces and reassured them. "Look, I know you're new, guys. And I know the last time we did it was pretty scary."

  "I know what we did was unexpected, I can admit that, and it was pretty dangerous, but trust me, I won't make the same risky decisions like that again."

  Then Vicky spoke up, "Why didn't you tell us you were level one?"

  Ebony looked up to see a serious look on her face. Alex was surprised to hear that question; he turned to Vicky and said, in confusion, like he did not know he was level one.

  "Yeah, Alex, Ebony's level one, taking on a centaur who is definitely above his level."

  Alex turned back to Vicky, then looked at Ebony, sneaking a 'you are crazy' expression.

  "He was kept in the dark about this information. Ask again, why were you level one taking this quest? This is dangerous! I thought you were like level 10 or something?"

  "Vicky, Alex," Ebony began, his voice laced with a gentle cadence, "I understand your concern, truly. But consider the melody of life itself—is it not in the unexpected notes that the most beautiful harmonies are found? A level one, yes, but a level one with a heart full of adventure and a spirit unbowed."

  "But Ebony, that's not an adventure, that's suicide! We almost died!" Vicky interjected, her voice trembling slightly.

  "And yet," Ebony countered, his eyes gleaming with a bardic fire, "we did not. We faced the storm, and we emerged, scarred perhaps, but unbroken. Is that not the essence of a true adventurer's tale? To face the odds, to dance with danger, and to emerge stronger?"

  "That's a nice speech, but it doesn't change the fact that you lied to us!"

  Ebony countered, "I didn't lie to you. I just didn't mention I was level one."

  "Lying by omission is still a lie." Alex said, his voice unusually sharp.

  Ebony definitely crossed his arms, seeing the dilemma, and then, moving his hand, scratched his head and responded.

  "And that's a mistake on my part. I apologize for not revealing my level sooner," Ebony said, his voice softening. "It was never my intention to deceive you, my companions. But I question, what do adventurers do? Almost dying is, like, I mean, that's what you guys sign up for—seeking the unknown."

  "I never experienced that in my life without the proper skills to take care of myself. But now that I've actually acquired some skills for self-defense, I can actually do what I want to do, which is this: the real adventurer's experience."

  "I knew what I was getting into when I wanted to do this profession," he explained with passion. "Trust is a delicate instrument, easily broken, and I fear I have played a discordant note. But I promise, I will strive to restore the harmony."

  "Restore the harmony? We're going back to face those centaurs again!" Vicky exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "That's not harmony, that's madness!"

  "Well, you knew what you were signing up for—every adventure you go on. Except for me. I have confidence in your skills regardless. You're not just people only hired to carry their stuff and nothing more. Trust me, Vicky, I want you guys to come with me."

  Vicky stomped her feet in frustration, making tiny tip-tap noises. Vicky put her hands on her face again, trying to calm herself down, and then continued,

  "You didn't even know that centaurs were resistant to magic."

  Ebony had his head down and answered. "I didn't know what we were getting into. I just—I didn't even bother researching. I just picked any quest and went along with it. I mean, I didn't know we were going up against centaurs in this land. I have no concept of the outside world, but with you, I think—no… I know—you can help me with that."

  "Perhaps," Ebony conceded, a wry smile playing on his lips.

  Vicky, annoyed, took a deep breath.

  And Alex spoke on her behalf. "Yes, we will come with you." The more he talked, the more his stutter started to go away a little.

  "Thank you, Alex," Ebony said, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder. Both of them then looked towards Vicky.

  Vicky sighed, then nodded with a blank expression.

  Ebony grinned tightly and said, "Yes! Now, my dear companions, trust me. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. This was a learning experience, and I've learned to research before we go in."

  Suddenly, Alex's eyes widened, as if a thought had just struck him. "Ebony, I... I meant to give this to you."

  He darted behind a nearby tree and returned, holding Ebony's book bag. It still had a gaping hole, but Alex had managed to retrieve it before they left through the portal. He cradled the bag under his arms, trying to prevent anything else from spilling out.

  Ebony reached out, his eyes lighting up. "Oh my gosh, my book bag! Thank you, Alex! Thank you so much, dearest Alex!"

  He then turned to Alex and asked, "Can you hold my bookbag for me? We can probably take turns carrying it." He then looked at both of them, "Also, can you explain to me why centaurs are resistant to magic?"

  With their companionship sorted out, all three walk back to the crossroads and down the hill to Serpent's pass.

  ◇

  It had been several minutes since the Silver Falcons left the crossroads where they found the portal.

  They were lined up in a row, half their weapons drawn, their group alert and secure.

  The Falcons were still intact, though some were tired from the experience, and a couple of them were cleaning the mud off their gear and bandaging their wounds. One Falcon was in the middle of wrapping his wounds with clean bandages.

  The majority were fine, with only a few scratches. They were mainly discussing the loot they had acquired, particularly how they would spend the money.

  Two Silver Falcons in the back were already talking about the centaur longswords they had picked up. A conversation ensued between the two.

  "Yeah, check out this blade," one said. "We can make some serious coins with these. Maybe we sell seven of them and keep the other two, just in case."

  Another Silver Falcon chimed in, "Nah, nah, nah, fellas, you're thinking too small. What we should do is hire a blacksmith to refine these centaur blades."

  "Then we jack up the price, indicating they're sharper than the average centaur blade. We could get at least a thousand pearls for each blade."

  The Silver Falcons looked at each other, then back at the one who made the suggestion, and said, "You know what? That's actually a really good idea."

  Jordan turned around and addressed the group, who were still on alert.

  He shouted, "Hey! Let's talk about making profits when we actually get to the kingdom. Until then, keep your mouths shut and stay alert. We're not out of the forest yet."

  Three Silver Falcons saluted Jordan and said, "Yes, sir! Understood, sir!"

  Jordan turned back to Pyrrhus, whose confidence remained unshaken, a smug smirk on his face.

  Jordan walked up to him to see if his boss was alright. He asked, "So, how are you doing, Pyrrhus?"

  Pyrrhus turned to Jordan and said, "I'm doing just great! We got my job back, and those fools are gone."

  Pyrrhus bragged more about the situation, saying, "It's just very simple. They should have just hired me from the start like all—" He then caught himself, "Well, you know, I hate repeating myself..." He trailed off, realizing he was repeating himself, but regardless, he would say it as many times as necessary to emphasize he was right.

  Then, Nova responded, "I would take any other company besides you. This was a complete waste of time."

  Pyrrhus made a pouty face and said, "Are you sad because your 'entertainment' died?"

  Nova turned around and said, "No, shut up. Don't make faces, you look ugly when you do that."

  Pyrrhus said with conviction, "Your future fling didn't make it in time. We told you he was killed by the centaurs, but you just didn't want to believe it."

  Then, Nova said, "No, I didn't. How could he be my 'fling'? I just met the guy. He was just entertaining, that's all. He just made this trip a little more worth it, that's all. And now I'm stuck with you, an hour there and an hour back." Nova said with huge disappointment and sadness.

  And Pyrrhus retorted, "Well, too bad. I'm here, and you should have hired me instead. Don't hire people who are just not qualified for the job."

  Nova, her voice laced with a mix of disappointment and curiosity, asked, "What was he like, really? Ebony, I mean."

  Pyrrhus, seizing the opportunity to inflate his own ego, began to weave a tale of fabricated cowardice.

  "Oh, he was a pathetic sight," he scoffed. "All talk and no action. When the centaurs attacked, he froze, his eyes wide with terror. He couldn't even draw his sword properly. He stumbled around like a drunken fool, completely useless."

  He continued, embellishing his lies with dramatic flair. "His companions tried to protect him, of course, but they were no match for the centaurs. They were cut down, one by one, while he cowered behind a rock, whimpering like a scared pup. He even broke his own weapon trying to swing it."

  Nova, though skeptical, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. "That's... awful," she murmured, her gaze drifting to the forest floor.

  "He seemed so... lively. It's a shame. Someone like that was cut so short from this world."

  Jordan, sensing her doubt, pressed on, "A shame? It was a mercy. He would have just gotten himself and others killed. He was completely out of his depth. He was a waste of space."

  Jordan added, "Besides, I know what type of person you saw in him," Jordan implied.

  Nova looked up, her expression slowly turning unhappy with that implication. "What do you mean by that?" she asked.

  Jordan replied, "You can connect the dots, baby."

  Both Pyrrhus and Jordan snickered at each other and walked up to the Silver Falcons in front.

  Nova, now hurt by that response, looked down, muttering to herself in a hurt whisper, "It's not true."

  The three companions, Ebony, Alex-Gray, and Vicky, were walking down the hill, not too far from the cargo.

  The cargo that ditched them, determined to get back on track.

  All of them discussing, talking to one another.

  They were trying to organize a game plan for future encounters.

  Vicky explained it to Ebony. They had a lengthy discussion on why centaurs are resistant to magic.

  She said, "So to summarize, these centaurs are magically resistant because they zapped themselves with so much magic of any kind that they are resistant to it."

  Ebony, still finding it confusing, said, "I don't really get it. Despite magic being magic, it still managed to damage them."

  "Well, that was thanks to me," Vicky replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "You see, Alex's wand is a special kind of wand. It was very expensive to buy."

  She looked over to Alex and said,

  "Alex, baby, pull out your wand."

  Alex, his galaxy eyes sparkling with a subtle glow, carefully pulled out his wand. The wand itself was a long burgundy, the size of a ruler, a smooth wand with a white pointy tip shaped like a cube on top.

  "This one in particular that Alex has is a Pacheco wand."

  Ebony, his eyebrows raised in curiosity, asked, "A what?"

  Vicky repeated herself. "Yeah, a Pacheco wand. This was made by a famous sorcerer named Pacheco. He made a whole collection of them and started selling them throughout the entire land back in his time. He made a whole arsenal full of them."

  "The Empire at the time that wanted to work with Pacheco wanted to manufacture this stuff as an army so they can have an outstanding wizard army, but he did not. He didn't want his He did not want his art to be exclusive to one group of individuals."

  "So he decided to sell them all throughout the world so everybody has his wands."

  "So that not one person had the advantage and rule over another, but they're very expensive, unfortunately."

  Ebony, ever the pragmatist, turned and asked, "Who did it cost?" he said with a probing question.

  Vicky looked down in disappointment and answered. "At least 2200 pearls."

  Ebony, his eyes widening, said in astonishment, "Goodness, everything is so expensive! I am not a fan of that."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Vicky, a hint of annoyance in her voice, clarified, "Yes, but it was worth it because now with this wand, Alex can do damage to any and all creatures, regardless of magic resistance or not."

  Alex, his chest puffing out slightly, gave a reassuring nod in agreement, being very proud of his Pacheco wand. "Good money well spent," he declared, his voice firm despite his usual shyness.

  "So, Ebony," Vicky began, her eyes curious, "where exactly are you from?"

  Alex, ever attentive, leaned in, equally interested.

  Ebony paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ah, my friends," he said, his voice laced with a gentle cadence, "let me weave you a melody of my origins."

  He reached for his bag, which Alex dutifully handed over. His violin, miraculously intact, lay within. He drew it out, the polished wood gleaming in the sunlight. A few soft notes resonated, a prelude to his story.

  "I hail from Iomud," he began, his fingers dancing across the strings, "a land of bustling streets and vibrant melodies. I was but a humble street performer, seeking to earn a few coins with my music."

  He paused, a shadow flickering across his face. "But alas, the streets of Iomud are not always kind. Bandits, like wolves in the night, preyed upon the weak, harassing and bullying those who could not defend themselves. They stole my earnings, they tried to steal my dignity, my very self."

  The music shifted, becoming more poignant. "Just when all seemed lost, a group of noble monk warriors appeared, like a beacon in the darkness. They rescued me, took me to their monastery, and there, they taught me the art of Sìxiàng fù."

  He raised his violin bow, the sunlight catching the polished wood.

  "Sìxiàng fù," he declared, his voice ringing with pride, "the Fetter of the Four or "Four Element Binding”

  Manifestations, a martial art gifted to me by the Shaolin people, a dance of earth, fire, air, and water. It is the art of my saviors, the art that gave me strength."

  He lowered his bow, the music fading into a soft whisper.

  Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Ebony moved away from his companions, a flurry of motion.

  Even with his violin still held loosely in one hand, he began his demonstration.

  First, he planted his feet firmly, the ground beneath them trembling slightly. He drew a low, sweeping arc with his free hand, and a wall of earth erupted from the ground, jagged and thick, a miniature earthen fortress springing up before him. Dust swirled, and the air grew heavy with the scent of damp soil.

  Next, with a sharp, precise movement, he unleashed a fiery kick. A plume of flame erupted from his foot, the air shimmering with heat as a wave of intense warmth washed over them. The flames danced and flickered, casting a dramatic, orange glow on his face.

  Both companions watched, their faces a mixture of awe and astonishment. They couldn't believe the power and fluidity of his movements, the way he seemed to command the very elements without uttering a single incantation.

  Then, he transitioned into a spinning attack, his elbows and legs a whirlwind of motion. As he spun, the air around him crackled with energy, and a miniature tornado formed, whipping up leaves and dust. He moved with a dancer's grace, yet the force of his movements was undeniable.

  Finally, he demonstrated his water technique. He moved with a fluid, almost serpentine motion, his hands tracing intricate patterns in the air. A stream of water, shimmering and bright, erupted from the ground, coiling and striking like a whip. The water danced and swirled, responding to his every gesture.

  He ended his demonstration with a flourish, the last notes of his violin echoing through the air, the sound mingling with the fading rush of the elemental forces. The air, still thick with the residual energy, slowly returned to normal.

  "And now," he continued, his voice resonating with a deeper purpose, "the people who gave me this gift are in trouble. They need financial aid. They're getting involved in a war with a group called the Alfar, who are not too far from here. They plan to engage this enemy, and they need support."

  "And though I said I'm doing this for myself, I'm also doing this for them as well. I know I cannot serve two masters, but I must try. But most importantly, I'm doing this for them, my family."

  "And so, my friends, that is my tale. A tale of hardship, rescue, and the power of the elements."

  He looked at them, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "It is why I know what I do, and why I wish to continue this journey. I wish to learn more about the world, and become better than what I am now."

  The residual energy of Ebony's demonstration still hung in the air, a faint scent of ozone and damp earth. Vicky, her eyes wide with astonishment, finally broke the silence.

  "Wait... you're a mage?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

  Ebony chuckled, a warm, resonant sound. "Not technically, my dear Vicky," he replied, sheathing his violin with a flourish.

  "One does not need to be a mage to command the elements. Sìxiàng fù, as I mentioned, is a martial art, a dance of the body and spirit, not a weaving of arcane incantations."

  As they continued their discussion, they began walking down the path, eager to reach the abandoned cargo.

  The ground was still scarred from Ebony's demonstration, a testament to the raw power he had unleashed. Chunks of earth were upturned, scorch marks marred the grass, and puddles of water shimmered where he had summoned them.

  Alex, ever the cautious one, carefully stepped over a particularly large fissure in the earth, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

  "It's... quite p-p-potent," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his stutter catching on the 'p' sound.

  Alex, his galaxy eyes still shimmering with lingering wonder, stammered, "B-but... how? I-I mean, we use mana, the very essence of magic, to shape these forces. How can you, without it...?" He trailed off, his mind struggling to reconcile what he had seen with his understanding of magic.

  Ebony smiled, a hint of playful mystery in his eyes. "Ah, my dear Alex, there are more paths than one to the summit of the mountain. As my wise friend Amilco often says, 'There's more than one way to skin a cat.'

  While your magic draws from the wellspring of mana, Sìxiàng fù taps into a different source: the very energy that flows within us all."

  Vicky, her brow furrowed in confusion, interjected, "Energy? But... that's just... physical exertion, right? Like, running, or lifting heavy things?"

  "In a sense, yes," Ebony conceded, "but it is also more. It is the life force, the chi, the very spark that animates our bodies. Through rigorous training, through the discipline of mind and body, one can learn to harness this energy, to shape it, to command it."

  Vicky, still grappling with the concept, said, "But... it's just so different. Mana is... clean, precise. This energy, it feels raw, untamed."

  As they continued walking, Alex carefully jumped over a large crack created by Ebony's raw power, looking back at it, the split in the earth a testament to the untamed energy.

  Ebony nodded, his eyes gleaming. "Indeed. Mana is a refined instrument, capable of intricate melodies. But energy, like the wild wind, can unleash a symphony of raw power. Both are beautiful, both are valid. And both, when mastered, can achieve extraordinary feats."

  Vicky, more pragmatic, hopped over a patch of scorched earth, her boots crunching on the blackened grass. "Yeah, well, try not to do that again near the cargo, okay? We don't want to accidentally set it on fire."

  They continued walking through the pass, a gust of wind ruffling their hair and pushing the trees around them. All of them looked up, taking in the scenery.

  Ebony felt charmed and mesmerized by the atmosphere of the forest, finding it strangely calming.

  Then, he heard a rustle in the leaves, not caused by the wind, but by a living creature. It was a sensation he recognized, a feeling he'd experienced in the alleys of Iomud: the sense of being watched.

  He could feel footsteps behind them, sometimes closer, sometimes farther away, but always there.

  Ebony turned to the other two. "Hey, would you mind walking ahead? I'd like to get a better view of our surroundings."

  Both of them agreed; Vicky said, "Okay," and Alex nodded, seeing no immediate harm.

  So, the three of them continued down the path, the cargo visible in the distance. As they walked, Ebony's gaze constantly flickered back to the trees, his senses alert, knowing something was stalking them.

  Pyrrhus strutted along the path, his chest puffed out like a particularly vain pigeon. "And then," he declared, gesturing wildly with his hand, "I simply flooded the entire area!

  Those... man-ponies, as I so eloquently call them, were completely overwhelmed. Utterly routed! It was a masterpiece of tactical brilliance, if I do say so myself."

  Patrick, one of the dummy brothers, nodded vigorously, his eyes wide with admiration. "Truly, Pyrrhus, you are a genius! A master strategist! I've never seen such... such... wet victory!"

  Matthew, the other dummy brother, chimed in, "Yes! A glorious, soggy triumph! We should build statues in your honor! Golden statues, depicting your magnificent pose as you commanded the waters!"

  Pyrrhus preened, his smug grin widening. "Well, yes, I suppose a few statues wouldn't be amiss. Perhaps a grand fountain, with my likeness spouting water from my very fingertips?

  A testament to my... aquatic prowess." He paused, then added, "Though, perhaps a little less... spouting. You're getting me wet again."

  The brothers continued their adulation, their voices a chorus of praise. "You are a god among men, Pyrrhus! A legend! We should compose epic poems about your victory! Songs that will echo through the ages!"

  Pyrrhus, though initially enjoying the attention, began to grow weary of their relentless flattery. "Okay, okay," he said, waving his hand dismissively.

  "That's enough. I'm starting to get a bit annoyed. You're laying it on a bit thick."

  The brothers immediately fell silent, their faces registering a mix of confusion and wounded pride. They exchanged a glance, then looked back at Pyrrhus, their mouths agape.

  Just then, Lux, the youngest member of the group, approached Pyrrhus, her expression dreary. "Hey," she said, her voice flat and devoid of any enthusiasm. "Are we almost there yet?"

  Pyrrhus, his patience wearing thin, glared at Lux. "No, Lux," he hissed, his voice low and sharp, "just... be quiet."

  "Yeah, well," Lux retorted, her voice a weary drawl, "I don't want to spend any more time here."

  She emphasized the 'want' with a subtle, almost sarcastic lilt. "My feet hurt, and this forest is giving me a headache. And my shoes are getting all muddy.

  I hate coming down this way while we always have to go down this stupid walkway when my feet always getting dirty. And I'm hungry. I want something to eat."

  Pyrrhus clenched his jaw. "You'll get something to eat when we get to Glottis, goddess Lux. We get there when we get there, okay? Stop your whining."

  He mimicked her tone, though poorly.

  "Yep, I'm tired. My feet are killing me, I don't—"

  Lux rolled her eyes, though the gesture was barely perceptible in the dim light of the forest. "Oh, please," she whispered back, her voice laced with exasperation. "You're the one who's been bragging about your 'masterful' flood for the past half-hour. I'm just stating facts."

  "My victory was masterful," Pyrrhus hissed, his voice barely a breath. "And you wouldn't understand tactical brilliance if it slapped you in the face with a soggy centaur hoof."

  "Soggy centaur hoof?" Lux repeated, her voice flat. "That's... poetic. In a gross kind of way." She paused, then added, "Besides, I find your story very unrealistic because centaurs can't swim. If those 'man-ponies' had decided to swim, you'd be fish food."

  Pyrrhus's face flushed a shade of crimson. "I had it under control!" he whispered, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. "They were completely disoriented! They couldn't even see straight with all that water in their eyes!"

  "Right," Lux said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because centaurs are known for their poor eyesight. Especially when they're angry and charging at you with swords."

  "Just... just shut up," Pyrrhus hissed, his voice strained. "I don't want to hear your voice anymore." He turned away, his back rigid with frustration. He knew he couldn't lay a hand on her, not with the others watching, but he desperately wanted to.

  "Oh, poor Pyrrhus," Lux whispered, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Did someone hurt your wittle feelings? Maybe you should go cry to your mommy."

  "I don't have a mommy," Pyrrhus retorted, his voice low and dangerous. "And even if I did, she wouldn't tolerate your insolence."

  "Oh, is that so?" Lux whispered back. "Well, my mommy taught me to always speak my mind, even if it offends pompous windbags."

  "You... you..." Pyrrhus sputtered, his face now a deep shade of purple. "You're lucky we've known each other for years, or I'd—"

  "Or you'd what?" Lux interrupted, her voice a low, mocking purr. "Or you'd finally admit that your 'masterful' plan was nothing more than a lucky fluke?"

  Pyrrhus clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but he knew he couldn't. He was trapped, forced to endure her constant jabs and snide remarks. What they both didn't realize, however, was that the Dale River, which they lived near, was indeed home to a large population of centaurs, who were quite capable of swimming. Their ignorance, born of years of complacent co-existence, was a dangerous blind spot.

  Finally, Pyrrhus, his voice tight with exasperation, whispered, "You know what? Do you even have what we're here to do? Do you even have what we're looking for?"

  He emphasized the last few words, his eyes narrowing.

  Lux, with an exaggerated eye roll, reached into her bag and pulled out a sack filled with various pouches. "Oh, these?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, I might have them." Inside, nestled amongst the pouches, were the spices meant for Glottis.

  As they had traveled down Serpent's Pass, Lux had surreptitiously scooped out portions of the spices with a small ladle, transferring them into her own personal pouches. She had managed to pilfer at least eleven different kinds of spices, a small fortune in rare ingredients.

  Pyrrhus, a satisfied smile spreading across his face, examined the contents of the sack. "Good, good," he murmured, his eyes gleaming. "That's what I like to see.

  Okay, Lux, we're almost there. It's no more than a half an hour, maybe twenty-four minutes down this walkway. Just a few more miles. Okay? Just be quiet, Lux."

  Lux, with a sigh, carefully placed the pouches back into her sack. "Fine," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

  Pyrrhus confirmed, "Just let us do our work, and you won't be empty-handed."

  Lux responded with a snide remark, "You mean, like your promises?"

  Pyrrhus turned to her and pointed a finger at Lux, saying, "Woman. I am not playing with you."

  Then the air shimmered with an unnatural light, the source of which was rapidly approaching. A deafening cacophony of clattering hooves filled the air, growing louder with each passing second. The ground vibrated beneath their feet.

  Lux's eyes widened, her usual weariness replaced by a flicker of fear. "It's... it's an army," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "An army of centaurs!"

  Jordan, his voice booming over the approaching thunder, shouted to the others, "Centaur attack! Ready yourselves! They've come back!"

  The Silver Falcons, initially relaxed, tensed, their faces etched with surprise and apprehension. "It's those reinforcements!" one of them yelled. "They've come back for us!"

  Lux, abandoning her bravado, scrambled back towards the cargo, where Nova was sitting. Nova, petrified, retreated further into the wagon, seeking refuge with her.

  The other Silver Falcons rushed to the front, where Pyrrhus stood, his face a mask of shock.

  Pyrrhus stared in disbelief. Before him stood Lapith's Bane, seemingly unharmed. The damage inflicted upon him moments ago was completely gone.

  It was as if the battle had never occurred. The centaur's animalistic fury was amplified, his eyes burning with vengeful intent.

  "No... no way," Pyrrhus stammered, his voice trembling. "I slew you! I went for your chest! I got you!"

  He tried to steel himself, drawing his longsword, Armadarian, its purple gleam the only thing reflecting his confidence.

  Lapith's Bane, his rage palpable, charged forward, his mace glowing with an intense light, the energy building with each stride.

  Lapith swung at Pyrrhus with a devastating force. The impact of the mace against Armadarian resonated through the air, a shockwave that ruptured the earth. The force of the blow lifted Pyrrhus off his feet, launching him backward from the pathway and into the forest.

  Pyrrhus crashed through several trees, the impact jarring his body. He finally came to a halt against a sturdy pine, the tree stopping his momentum. He gasped for breath, 20 damage dealt.

  Before Pyrrhus could even register the pain, he looked up to see Lapith's Bane bearing down on him again, moving with a speed he couldn't have anticipated. The centaur struck him in the arm, the force of the blow inflicting excruciating pain and more damage, 30 damage.

  Pyrrhus, his pain escalating to unbearable levels, was thrown further into the forest, colliding with another pine tree before collapsing face-first onto the ground.

  Pyrrhus, struggling to recover, looked up to see his arm bent at an unnatural angle. His breathing became heavy, his body wracked with agony. He glanced up to find Lapith's Bane looming over him, poised to crush his skull with the mace.

  Pyrrhus dodged just in time, rolling out of the way.

  Lapith's mace slammed into the tree with a deafening crash, the impact causing the tree to explode into splinters. Shards of bark and wood flew through the air, some of the smaller pieces hitting Pyrrhus in the face, dealing 3 more damage.

  Pyrrhus, still on his knees, gripped Armadarian in his left hand, his right arm useless. His face was covered in sweat and blood, his nose bleeding profusely.

  The speed and ferocity of Lapith's Bane were overwhelming.

  As the dust settled from the exploding tree, Lapith's Bane swiped the wood dust from his sight to see Pyrrhus, his eyes promising more pain.

  Just as Lapith raised his mace, an arrow struck him in the head.

  It was followed by a dozen Silver Falcons charging to their leader's aid, armed with pikes and blades.

  "The remaining Silver Falcons, a desperate knot of steel and sweat, faced a simultaneous assault from a dozen of their foes, wielding sharpened, deadly blades, axes, and pikes.

  Lapith's Bane parried and dodged the monstrous blows. The beast, an engine of pure destruction, swung its mace in brutal, sweeping arcs, each impact a thunderclap that shook the very ground.

  Their swords, once symbols of pride, now blurred in a frantic defense, failing to hold against the relentless onslaught. Lapith, a mountain of muscle and malice, absorbed their futile strikes without so much as a grunt, his eyes burning with cold, predatory intent.

  Patrick and Matt, their faces grim, knelt beside Pyrrhus, whose right arm hung at an unnatural angle. Patrick, his eyes wide with a mixture of horror and professional concern, nearly gagged at the mangled limb. "By the gods..." he whispered, his voice thick.

  "Don't worry, boss," Matt growled, his voice a low, steady rumble amidst the chaos. "We've got you. Vitality Potion, right here."

  He cradled Pyrrhus’s head, the crimson liquid sliding down his throat. A wave of warmth spread through Pyrrhus, mending the immediate damage, but the searing throb in his broken arm remained, a cruel reminder of Lapith's power.

  Pyrrhus’s eyes, burning with furious intensity, swept across the battlefield. He watched as his men, his Silver Falcons, were cut down one by one, their cries swallowed by the monstrous roars of Lapith’s Bane.

  Some never stood a chance, blinded by the light emanating from the mace as it crashed down upon them.

  “Pat!” he snarled, his voice a low, guttural growl that cut through the din of battle. “Enhancium! Universal and Combat! Now!”

  Patrick’s fingers, slick with nervous sweat, fumbled in his pouch. “Yes, sir! Of course, boss!” His voice trembled, the urgency of the moment overwhelming his usual composure.

  Pyrrhus’s gaze, sharp and demanding, bored into him. “Where is it, Patrick? Now!”

  “I’m… I’m looking, boss!” Patrick stammered, his hands shaking violently.

  He finally grasped a vial, but his trembling fingers betrayed him, and the precious liquid shattered on the ground, the golden liquid spreading across the dirt.

  Pyrrhus’s eyes narrowed, his voice a venomous hiss. “You fool! That cost a fortune! It’s coming out of your hide! Just get me what I need!”

  “Sorry, boss! I’m trying!” Patrick cried, his voice laced with panic. He located the Universal Enhancium, but the Combat variant remained elusive.

  The remaining Silver Falcons, their voices strained with desperation, screamed, “Hurry, Patrick! Please, We’re dying here!”

  Sensing the agonizing delay, Matt snatched the pouch from Patrick, his eyes flashing with impatience. “Give me that, you idiot!” he snapped, his voice hard.

  With practiced efficiency, he located the Combat Enhancium and thrust both vials into Pyrrhus’s hands.

  Pyrrhus, his eyes fixed on the unfolding carnage, downed the potent elixirs.

  A surge of raw power coursed through him, the broken bones knitting, the pain receding, replaced by a burning need to unleash his fury. The battlefield, a scene of desperate struggle, was about to witness a terrifying transformation."

  ◇

  "The scene cuts back to the other three. Ebony, still trailing behind Vicky and Alex, surveyed the footprints and wheel tracks, noting the group's direction.

  Vicky and Alex exchanged glances. "Well," Vicky began, her voice hesitant, "looks like we're going back with the others, even though we were... ejected. They won't exactly roll out the welcome mat, but... things will work out."

  Alex nodded, a small, reassuring gesture, and they clasped hands, continuing toward the carto.

  As they approached, Ebony sensed another presence close behind. He couldn't see them, but the faint sound of footsteps was unmistakable.

  Suddenly, Ebony spun around. The footsteps halted instantly. He still couldn't see anyone.

  He took a step back toward the sound, and the footsteps retreated. He advanced, and they receded, the unseen pursuer mirroring his movements. He broke into a run, closing the distance.

  The invisible being attempted to flee, their hurried steps pounding against the earth. As they tried to escape, Ebony channeled his energy and stomped his foot, summoning an earth wall to block their path.

  The invisible figure slammed face-first into the solid barrier. A muffled thud echoed as they tumbled to the ground, the illusion of invisibility shattered.

  A female wizard, her face streaked with black makeup, lay sprawled on the ground. She wore a pointed black hat, and her witchly features were marred by a few boils and a noticeably refined nose, a stark contrast to the rest of her appearance.

  Vicky and Alex turned, startled by the commotion, and saw the witch sprawled against the earth wall. All three stared.

  Ebony, his bardic warrior persona taking over, confronted the stalker. "So," he asked, his voice laced with a playful edge, "care to explain yourself, stalker?"

  The witch remained silent, her eyes darting around, searching for an escape. She reached into her book pouch, pulled out a vermilion book, ripped out a page, and chanted a spell, her voice sharp and urgent. "Telepathon!" she shouted."

  "The witch flicked her hand, and Ebony was abruptly lifted off his feet, slammed against a tree. The impact jarred him, dealing 4 damage.

  The other two reacted instantly, caught off guard by the sudden, violent attack.

  The witch, recovering from her collision with the earth wall, snarled, her eyes fixed on Alex. She raised her hands, and the air around them shimmered ominously.

  Alex's wand, clutched tightly in his hand, trembled violently.

  "She's trying to take your wand again!" Vicky exclaimed, her voice sharp with alarm. She lunged, tackling the witch mid-incantation, disrupting the spell.

  The interruption broke the telekinetic hold on Ebony, allowing him to drop to the ground. He landed on his feet, poised for action.

  Ebony reached for his bag, intending to retrieve his blades. He rummaged through it, then paused, a frown creasing his brow. "Where are my blades?" he muttered, confusion clouding his features.

  Vicky, meanwhile, pummeled the witch with a flurry of small, determined punches. "Pow! Pow! Pow!" The witch cried, each blow landing with surprising force, getting her hair pulled as well, but with minimal effect, 1-2 damage.

  Alex, seizing the moment, aimed his Pacheco, but Vicky's sudden lunge put her directly in the wand's line of fire.

  The witch took a couple punches to the face, then used her tome as a makeshift shield, absorbing the blows with a grunt of annoyance.

  Frustrated, the witch ripped another page from her tome and unleashed another telekinetic spell. "Telepathon!" she shouted, her voice laced with malice.

  Vicky was thrown violently through the air, crashing to the ground. She instinctively curled into a defensive position, protecting her head. The impact dealt 7 damage.

  Ebony moved swiftly, channeling his Sìxiàng fù, the earth's energy grounding him against the renewed telekinetic assault. He felt the air thicken, the unseen force pressing against them.

  Alex, his face pale but resolute, tightened his grip on his wand. He muttered a counter-spell, the wand pulsing with a soft, inner light.

  The witch's eyes glowed with malevolent energy. Objects around them began to swirl – rocks, bits of broken wood, even her pointy hat. They became deadly projectiles, flung at Ebony, Vicky, and Alex, each impact carrying 5-8 damage.

  Vicky instinctively grabbed her belongings, using them as a shield to protect her head once again.

  Ebony dodged and weaved, avoiding the telekinetically charged debris. Vicky, agile and quick, rolled and ducked, her movements fluid and graceful.

  "I can't hold her off much longer!" Alex grunted, his voice strained. The wand vibrated intensely, threatening to be ripped from his grasp.

  The witch cackled, her voice a grating rasp. "Give it up, Mage-born! That Pacheco is mine!"

  Ebony, seeing Alex's struggle, focused his Sìxiàng fù. He channeled the force of the air, creating a whirlwind around himself and his companions. The miniature tornado disrupted the witch's telekinetic control, causing the swirling debris to falter and drop.

  "Now, Alex!" Ebony shouted over the wind.

  Alex seized the opportunity. He pointed his wand at the witch and unleashed a bolt of pure magical energy.

  The beam struck the witch with devastating force, dealing 40 damage, throwing her back against the earth wall once more. She lay there, lifeless, her power nullified. Alex (17 XP gained).

  "Ebony turned, his gaze fixed on the witch's still form. "She's... she's really dead, huh?" he said, a nervous edge creeping into his voice, despite his attempts to mask his shock.

  Vicky walked over to the body and nudged the witch's foot with her own. "Yeah, she's dead," she confirmed, her tone matter-of-fact. Alex nodded, his expression grim.

  "So, a member of the Tome Sisters," Ebony said, piecing together the information. "Wyatt mentioned them." Vicky shook her head in acknowledgment. "This one's been after us for a while."

  "We bought the wand," Alex interjected, his voice quiet, almost a whisper. "The Pacheco wand. These witches have been after us the moment we did."

  Ebony pondered aloud, "What are they, like a cult?" Vicky shook her head. "Not really a cult," she clarified, "more like... they prefer to call themselves a book club."

  "So," Ebony began, his voice a touch too bright, his bardic charm attempting to mask his unease, "the Tome Sisters, huh? Sounds like a cozy little reading group. Bit more... lethal than my usual book club. Any bestsellers I should be aware of?" He gestured vaguely towards the witch's body with a forced smile.

  Vicky's gaze remained fixed on the corpse, her expression a mix of pragmatism and weariness.

  "They're powerful, Ebony. More than you'd expect from a 'book club.' They control a lot of knowledge, some of it... dangerous. You learn to expect things like this," she said, kicking a loose stone, "when you're out here. It’s not all tales and songs."

  She met Ebony's eyes, a flicker of understanding on her own. "I know you're trying to lighten the mood, but this isn't something to take lightly."

  Alex, his eyes still holding a distant, grim look, nodded slowly. "It's... it's p-part of the job," he stammered, his voice low.

  "You... you get used to it," he repeated, the stutter emphasizing the grim truth of his words.

  Ebony's forced smile faltered, the jovial mask slipping slightly. Alex glanced at Ebony, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of their actions.

  The reality of the situation, the finality of death, was starting to sink in. "Right," he said, his voice quieter now. "Right, of course."

  He looked away, his gaze falling on the surrounding trees, anywhere but the body at their feet.

  "So, about these Tome Sisters... any, uh, cliff notes version? Or is that a 'later' kind of story?" He tried to inject a bit of his earlier levity, but the effort fell flat.

  Vicky and Alex exchanged a silent look, a shared understanding passing between them. "We can tell you later," Vicky said softly, her voice laced with gentle reluctance, letting him down easy."

  “Nevermind then”. Ebony said with his head bowed “Let's just keep moving.”

  A voice stopped them. "Hold up, don't go any further." They looked up to see Xiao Ling, the bounty hunter dressed in black, perched in the trees.

  A surprised expression flickered across his face, though he quickly regained his stoic composure.

  "Well, the prize is still here then," Ebony observed, then added, "Wait, you were just watching us? Couldn't even step in, I see."

  Xiao Ling replied, "No worries. I knew you could handle yourselves, just like I can handle a few centaurs." A faint smirk played on his lips, hinting at Ebony's perceived lack of finesse.

  The bounty hunter turned to address the other two. "Yeah, I saw you guys were still here."

  Ebony sighed in acknowledgment. "Yeah, yeah, a temporary pause. We're getting back on the trail. All of us are." He gestured towards his companions.

  Xiao Ling nodded. "I see. I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you'd have left by now."

  Vicky replied, "Yeah, just a minor delay due to stitches, but we're returning to the others," she added with a warm smile.

  Alex didn't reply but nodded in agreement.

  The bounty hunter raised a hand. "No, you're not. You're not going back."

  "What do you mean? Who are you to say that?" Ebony demanded.

  Xiao Ling replied, "I say that because if you do, you're most likely going to get slaughtered."

  Vicky, her brow furrowed in confusion, asked, "Elaborate?"

  Xiao Ling pulled out his quest sheet. "When we went through the portal, I swore we'd fight Lapith's Bane. Me and that other obnoxious dickhead, Pyrrhus, managed to put multiple holes in him, and I dealt the final blow."

  Ebony, feigning ignorance, said, "Yeah, so what?"

  Xiao Ling replied, "Well, smartass, you see that checkbox right there that says 'Kill Lapith's Bane'? Yeah? It's not checked off. Usually, this quest sheet glows and indicates when a mark is completed. But my quest is incomplete, meaning Lapith's Bane is still alive."

  The three of them remained silent, absorbing the information.

  "It wasn't easy trying to kill him. That was a monster running on fumes of rage. And now, with that rage, he probably has enough energy to come back and take his revenge on us."

  "The cargo you were supposed to escort will most likely never arrive, because Lapith has probably killed every last one of them."

  Ebony said urgently, "Then we have to go! Come on, you guys!"

  Vicky and Alex exchanged a look, then nodded in agreement.

  As they started walking, Xiao Ling suddenly appeared in front of them, arms crossed, blocking their path.

  "You must be super stupid, Bard, if you think your low level is going to take on Lapith's Bane and the centaurs after you couldn't even take down one grunt soldier."

  Ebony retorted, "Minor setback. Won't happen again."

  Ebony walked forward again, only to find Xiao Ling blocking his way once more in a flash of light.

  "Look, Bounty Hunter, quit perpetually getting in our way. You can get the final kill on Lapith's Bane all you want, but we're going back to that caravan and taking it to our destination. Now, get out of our way, good sir," Ebony said with a stern voice.

  Xiao Ling replied, "I can't let you do that, I'm afraid."

  Vicky, responding with frustration, asked, "Why? I didn't think you were the type to care. I think we are entitled to make our own choices."

  Xiao Ling explained his logical reasoning. "Despite being preoccupied with multiple centaurs, I saw the fight from start to finish. All three of you are struggling to kill one centaur. It was a level 6. You 3 are not at that level. Just go home and grind, come back when you get some experience. You guys need to pace yourselves. If not, you will be literally red-paced – all three of you. Especially you, Bard."

  Xiao Ling defended his stance and replied with bardic charisma and confidence. "I don't much care for everybody else, but I can tell you three, especially one of you, have real potential. I'd rather not let any of you waste your talents on something you're not ready for. I'm just being genuinely honest."

  Ebony closed his eyes into the Shaolin resting position, took a deep breath, inhaled, and exhaled. Trying to gather his thoughts, he opened his eyes and spoke to Xiao Ling with his best charisma."

  "Ebony, his voice a smooth, captivating melody, began, "Good sir, I perceive a slight misunderstanding. You see, I am not merely a traveler, nor a simple adventurer. I am a force of nature, a legend in the making, a whirlwind of steel and song. Allow me to illuminate your ignorance."

  Ebony, ignoring Xiao Ling's protest, lifted his foot and stomped on the ground, causing a boot-shaped crater to form. The earth beneath them trembled, emphasizing the raw power of his earth-shattering stomp.

  The chasm shook, startling everyone, especially Xiao Ling, who frantically scanned the surroundings, wondering if Ebony was about to trigger a landslide. "Oh, you're full of it! I'm not dying in a landslide!" he exclaimed.

  Ebony, unfazed, continued, "I am a warrior who bends the very earth to his will, a bard whose melodies can soothe the savage beast and shatter mountains.

  I do not grind, I do not falter, I do not yield to the whims of lesser men, telling me what to do with my time."

  He stomped his other foot, causing another quake, the imminent landslide feeling more and more real to the bounty hunter, who braced himself, ready to jump.

  Xiao Ling stared at Ebony, a mix of disbelief and annoyance in his gaze.

  Ebony matched his stare, his glare even more intense. "I am Ebony Gundo, of martial arts, music, and magic. And I ask you, good sir, to get out of my way and let me finish my quest. Okay?"

  Xiao Ling raised his hands in surrender. "Goodness, fine! If it'll get you to stop shaking the passageway. I swear, for every step you make, you're going to kill us all."

  Ebony calmed down, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you, good sir. I'm going to get back to my job now."

  But the bounty hunter persisted, "I still don't understand why you want to go back there and die, especially you two."

  Vicky replied, "We're going back because our companion needs us plain and simple where he goes we follow."

  Alex stepped forward and picked up Ebony's book bag, then Vicky's supplies, handing them to her.

  She took them, her voice warm with gratitude. "Thank you, lovely." She patted Alex on the cheek.

  Then, turning to Xiao Ling, she added, "Plus, we have a game plan this time. We're prepared. We'll probably get a lot of experience killing the centaurs again. We'll figure it out," she clarified.

  Ebony added his insight, "I got myself into this mess; I'm going to make my bed and lie in it. Besides, my mama told me not to make excuses."

  The three of them headed back towards the cargo and the remaining centaurs, with Xiao Ling trailing behind.

  He muttered under his breath, "Man, these guys are stupid. But with this group, I might actually get a chance to kill Lapith." A sideways smile appeared on his face."

  "As the four crested the hill, they were met with a scene of utter chaos surrounding the caravan.

  The Silver Falcons, a desperate circle of steel, huddled around the cargo, their pikes forming a bristling defense. Centaurs, a relentless ring of archers, surrounded them, firing volleys of arrows that cut down Falcons left and right.

  The Falcons, surprisingly, had held their ground for a significant amount of time, but their resolve was clearly faltering. They were in dire need of backup.

  Alex, his face set with determination, drew the Pacheco wand. A soft, ethereal glow emanated from its tip, ready to unleash its power.

  Vicky, her eyes narrowed, pulled out her acid vials. The neon green liquid within shimmered ominously, promising to burn anything in its path.

  Xiao Ling, his expression grim, unsheathed his lunar twins. The blades pulsed with a dark, unsettling energy.

  Ebony, adopting a fighting stance, clenched his fists. A raging inferno erupted from his knuckles, the heat distorting the air around him. He raised his fists to his face, ready to unleash his elemental fury.

  "Okay, Ebony," he whispered to himself, a low, determined growl, "let's try this again."