Another into The Fray

2020 was the year everything fell apart. Everything in my normal life changed. One day, everything was normal, and the next, Earth collided with realms straight out of myths and fairy tales. Fey creatures, spirits, demi-humans beings that we believed were just fantasies suddenly appeared right in front of us. With a surge of magical energy (Mana) the world became a chaotic mess overnight. Honestly, none of us had any clue what to do about it. Even worse the pandemic of Mana Poisoning made us struggle greatly. It was a time where humanity is tested.

For four miserable years, we struggled, fought, and tried to make sense of the chaos around us. It wasn't until 2024 that we managed to cure the pandemic on human coutnry and managed to defeat the other races. As the winners of war we make deal with the other races. 

Humans would stick to the cities, spirits would claim the mountains, fey creatures would settle in the Great Forests, and demi-humans would live in the plains. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't even close. But at least we stopped fighting for a little while.

But of course, that peace too didn't last.

When the elves attacked South Jaka City, searching for a Human terrorist my entire world shattered all over again. 

My home, my family, my friends. I lost everyone that night. And the worst part was that I couldn't do a damn thing to protect them.

I was prostrate on the ground after the elves killed my entire family. 

On the ground over there. 

I was useless and weak.

Helplessly watching my loved ones get slaughtered right in front of me.

I hated myself for that.

I enrolled in L'arc Academy not long after that and did missions given by Instructor Hale with Carmilla. Protecting borders and fighting military aggression was the job that we Magic Swordsman have.

The war between humans and the other races was brutal, dragging on for three endless years until all sides were too exhausted and broken to continue. 

On 2027, the fighting finally came to an end, and we divided the continents. The leaders of Demi-Human, Elves, Spirits, and Humans had met with each other as they finally reached a pact. 

Every race will be given a territory. Then, every race started to tend to their wounds, both mentally and physically, quietly hoping it wouldn't all happen again.

The once-violent clashes between races had given way to tentative alliances, and the quieter sounds of rebuilding and reconciliation had replaced the distant echoes of battle.

Now in 2028, this new era had brought Thalamik, Carmilla, and me closer than ever. We are a formidable team bonded by numerous trials and strengthened by each of our unique talents. 

We'd devoted ourselves entirely to safeguarding the delicate peace, each training tirelessly for whatever awaited us ahead.

***

The sun peeked over the horizon, bathing the sprawling plains around L'arc Academy in a golden glow. I watched as Thalamik stood at the edge of the training grounds, eyes locked on the distant mountains. His breath steady, body loose, yet beneath that calm façade lay the ever-present readiness of a warrior forged by years of discipline.

"Thal, ready for some action?" I called out cheerfully, my voice echoing with familiar enthusiasm. I approached him, my trusted heavy sword resting comfortably on my shoulder. Seeing him always reassured me, giving me the confidence that together we could tackle anything.

I've also noticed that he's changed a lot lately. Particularly when he finally returns from home to the academy. Ever since that day, he rarely spaced out like he used to. Perhaps he has come to terms with the past. I am honestly so glad about that.

"You bet I am," Thalamik replied evenly. He reached down to touch the daggers at his belt, blades glinting sharply in the morning light.

I smirked and dropped my sword to the earth with a satisfying thump. "Let's see just how far you've come."

Thalamik acknowledged me with a nod, stepping back to give us both space. I felt the raw power within me.

My mana, vast and untamed. Controlling it always felt like wrestling with lightning, wild and unpredictable.

Thalamik's energy, in contrast, was meticulous, precise, and mastered through painstaking practice. But my sheer physical strength and swordsmanship always balanced the scales between us.

"Don't hold back," Thalamik said, drawing his daggers. He moved effortlessly into his defensive stance.

"Wouldn't dream of it," I responded, hefting my blade with practiced ease. "But try not to fall behind, or I'll end up carrying you back."

That got a chuckle out of him, easing the tension momentarily.

Though training was serious, humor had always been our lifeline.

We circled slowly, eyes locked in anticipation.

Thalamik made the first move, rushing toward me, daggers swift and precise.

I swung my sword down, intercepting his strike.

Metal clashed loudly, sending vibrations through the ground beneath our feet.

Thalamik wasted no momentum, pivoting fluidly to attack my legs.

Reacting instantly, I jumped back. Then his daggers moved wildly as my sword parried each strike. He had grace and speed on his side, whereas I had raw power and instinct.

It was becoming clear that while I excelled in strength, his refined precision was giving him an edge today.

"You've gotten faster," I remarked through gritted teeth, deflecting another swift attack.

"And you've gotten stronger," he returned, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"But you know power isn't everything? Right?"

Magical energy gathered around Thalamik it was in a blue color. He then went into my range with a sudden burst of speed. Effectively slipping beneath my guard.

Seeing this aura. I tried to do the same. I tried gathering mana and enhancing my body's capability, yet the duration and mana I channeled weren't enough. Hence, before I could react, his dagger already rested inches from my throat.

"I win," he said softly, steadily.

"Alright, you got me," I conceded, lowering my sword with a smile.

Thalamik stepped back, sheathing his daggers gracefully.

"You're improving. That strength of yours is impressive, but again your mana control still needs work. You have to learn to use Mana well."

"I know," I admitted, seriousness returning to my voice. "Feels like I'm constantly trying to cage a storm. I'll get there eventually."

"Well, you shouldn't worry too much though... On the battlefield, just give everything you got. Because you can easily desolate the enemies."

Before I could respond, familiar footsteps drew our attention. Carmilla approached, serene as always, wearing a white robe that flowed gracefully around her in the gentle breeze. Her deep crimson eyes med with the two of us.

"You two are sparring again?" she asked with amusement. "I hope you're not worn out. We've got a mission today, remember?"

"It's fine we're just warming up," Thal assured her, smiling.

Carmilla's thoughtful eyes turned toward me. "How's your mana control progressing, Ray?"

I shrugged, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Still a work in progress. Thal's patience helps, but it's slow going."

Her gentle nod carried reassurance. "Mana control isn't mastered overnight. But you can do it."

My grin returned, heartened by her confidence. "Thanks, Carmilla for the pep talk."

She smiled warmly, her expression softening. "I'm sure of it. Let's head back Instructor Hale is already waiting for us, I bet.

Together, we returned toward L'arc Academy building, shadows lengthening behind us in the golden morning.

Due to the peace that was brought on. Some of the warriors here have decided to spend a monthly vacation. Because from the very start, their goal was to help up peace for their own families. Since the leader of our country said the situation was getting better he directed us to have a vacation as thanks for guarding the borders.

Every border dispute had been solved as the leaders reach a pact. So there is literally nothing to worry about. I really have hope for this newfound peace. More or less because the leaders of the elves representing was not Zuatha Il Zikmel. The representative was Lizwell Von Wistik a dark elf queen.

I walked alongside Thal and Carmilla and it hit me just how far we'd come. It felt almost surreal to see the academy grounds with so much silence and peace. They remind me of how things should be. As war only hurts us more and more.

"Ray," Carmilla spoke, pulling me from my thoughts. "You're unusually quiet. What's on your mind?"

I sighed. "Just thinking how far we've come. Not long ago, we were always fighting. Now, peace finally feels real."

Carmilla nodded thoughtfully. 

Thal interjected with a stern tone "But peace can be fragile. We've seen it break before. Even if there is peace now, it's exactly why we can't let our guard down. Things are calm now, but we have to stay sharp."

Thal looked down and clenched his fist. "Besides we've fought too hard to let it slip away."

Even though he is more cheerful I guess Thal is still overly cautious. I can't blame him though. He is just what our team needs to balance our expectations.

As we approached the academy gates, Instructor Hale waited, ever vigilant, her expression stern and uncompromising. She had guided countless warriors, myself included, and I respected his dedication deeply.

"Instructor," Thalamik greeted respectfully.

"Thalamik, Raymed, Carmilla," Hale acknowledged curtly. "Ready for today's assignment?"

"Always ready," Thalamik answered promptly. "What's our mission?"

Hale's expression darkened slightly. "Some unrest in a border town. Minor, but order needs to be maintained. Go there, assess things, ensure peace remains."

I exchanged glances with my companions; we nodded in unison. "Understood," Thalamik responded firmly. "We'll leave right away."

Hale nodded approvingly. "Good. Report upon return. Remember—peace shouldn't breed complacency. Remain vigilant."

Our orders clear, we departed immediately. The short journey passed mostly in silence, each of us wrapped in contemplation. 

I kept my sword close, silently resolving to strengthen my control over the raw power I wielded.

Thal is right this peace we'd fought so fiercely for had arrived at last. I'd do whatever it took to ensure we never lost it again.

***

When we arrived, the town felt too quiet but charged with tension. Empty streets, closed doors, wary eyes peeking through curtains… every instinct in my body screamed caution.

"Something's off," I murmured, scanning our surroundings carefully.

"Agreed," Thalamik replied softly, his hand already moving toward the hilt of his dagger. "We should speak with the mayor he might know more."

Together, we approached the largest building, the modest town hall at the center of town. The mayor greeted us. He was a middle-aged man whose eyes carried deep worry and fatigue.

"Thank you for coming," he began anxiously. "There have been…strange occurrences lately. People vanishing, unexplained sounds at night. And there's a constant sense of dread hanging over us."

I watched Thalamik closely, noticing how intently he absorbed each word. "Have there been any sightings? Any obvious threats?" He asked.

The mayor shook his head slowly. "Nothing worth noting really, just this heavy feeling. It probably sounds foolish, but I don't know how else to explain it."

Carmilla stepped forward reassuringly. "We'll do everything we can. We'll stay and watch the town closely. If danger arises, we'll handle it."

Hearing that The mayor's expression softened instantly. "Thank you. I'll have rooms prepared at the inn for you. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

We exited the hall in silence, unease settling deeper within me. 

Turning to Thalamik, I asked, "What do you think? Just paranoia or hsyteria? or something serious?"

"I'm not certain," Thalamik admitted quietly. "We should first see how it goes but keep vigilant. We have to be prepared."

Night fell quickly, and we took shifts on watch, senses heightened and nerves taut. For hours, nothing stirred aside from nocturnal wildlife and rustling leaves. Yet tension hung heavy, oppressive and undeniable.

Just before dawn, I was jolted awake by a wave of intense mana pulsing through the air. By the time I reached Thalamik. He was standing tense at the edge of town, my heart was already racing.

"What is—" My voice trailed off as my eyes locked onto a sight I struggled to comprehend: a massive castle, impossibly forming from thin air in the distance. 

Tall, dark towers stretched skyward, stone walls reflecting a menacing gleam in the early dawn light.

"Where did that come from?" I whispered, awe and confusion washing over me.

Thalamik shook his head, eyes fixed ahead, visibly disturbed. "I don't know—but it's definitely trouble."

Carmilla, who'd appeared silently beside us, closed her eyes, hands glowing faintly as she tried to sense the castle's nature. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, fear evident in her expression.

"It's full of dark mana" she breathed, voice trembling slightly. "Ancient and powerful. This isn't just a castle—it's something far worse."

Before we could process what was happening, the ground shook violently beneath our feet. 

A deep, ominous rumbling filled the air, growing steadily louder, until more castles began to materialize around us, one after another, spreading across the horizon. 

Each was unique, yet every single one radiated the same dark, threatening aura.

Reality itself seemed to fracture, letting these ancient structures pour through into our world.

"We have to warn the academy," Thalamik said urgently. "This is not just here. It's happening everywhere."

I nodded grimly, steeling myself against rising dread. "I'll contact Instructor Hale immediately. We need to be ready—because whatever's coming, it's big."

***

As Raymed hurried to send a message to the academy, Thalamik and Carmilla continued to watch as the castles multiplied, their appearance causing a ripple of panic to spread through the town. 

People were emerging from their homes, staring in fear and disbelief at the sudden, inexplicable change in their world.

"What do we do?" Carmilla asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Thalamik took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "We stand our ground. We protect these people, no matter what."

Carmilla nodded, her resolve strengthening as she drew her aura using mana.

As the sun finally broke over the horizon, casting its light on the strange new world they found themselves in.

A thought came to Thalamik

The Demonfolk has entered this world.