Looming Threat

After a long day at the academy, Kaelen returned home, heading straight to Master Cronos's laboratory in the dark forest. He once complained about the idea of him walking back and forth from the capital to the laboratory with each trip that took him half an hour. But he was getting used to it, and besides, the walk was probably good for his body.

As he opened the entrance to the lab, he saw Master Cronos in the room, who was quietly organizing a stack of paperwork and ancient parchments on the table. The soft rustle of papers can be heard as Kaelen approached the old man.

"Master, I'd like to ask for your advice"

Master Cronos looked up to him, stopping his task

"On what matter?"

"It's about the upcoming tournament"

Hearing Kaelen's remark, the old man expression grew serious as he leaned back in his chair

"The tournament... Yes, i've been considering it myself. And by the way, i believe it's better if you refrain from participating in it"

Kaelen was suprised by the old man's word, how did he know about what he wanted to ask?

"Why? Is something wrong?"

Master Cronos sighed as he stood up from his chair and walked into the window, gazing into the distant.

"There is something about this tournament that troubles me. On the surface, it was meant to build relations with the other kingdoms and to test the abilities of you young seekers. However, i have a feeling—just consider it some old man's intuition—that there is more to it."

Kaelen began to feel more concerned. The old man is many things, but what he says is usually never wrong. He nodded to him, trusting in his master's judgment.

"And what about Serephira? Will she be safe if she participates? We should at least warn her."

Master Cronos shook his head and a smile appeared on his face

"That girl is more than capable of holding her own. Besides, i have a task for you, which will play an important part in your duty as her vanguard. You'll be helping her in a way that's more significant than simply competing."

Kaelen felt a sense of relief after hearing the old man's word

"Alright i guess... So, what should i do?"

"For now, just attend the academy as usual."

***

In a large, empty training ground, Serephira was diligently practicing with her rapier. Her focus was intense, with each stroke of the rapier and the use of her veil was meticulously controlled.

Her mind, however, was not solely on the physical aspects of her training. Thoughts of the upcoming tournament consumed her. The weight of expectation pressed heavily on her shoulders. She knew this was her chance to prove herself, to demonstrate her strength and capabilities

'Only four days left huh?'

As she executed a particularly complex maneuver, her veil flared brightly, enhancing her movements with an ethereal glow. Her concentration was unwavering, even as she envisioned the potential challenges and obstacles ahead. The tournament was more than just a test of skill; it was a pivotal moment in her path to greatness.

With each practice session, Serephira felt her resolve harden, her technique sharpen, and her confidence grow. The upcoming tournament was not just an opportunity; it was a proving ground where she would make her mark.

"I wonder how he's doing."

***

Four days have gone by, Madam Nyx was seen to be absorbed in her work. Her desk was cluttered with papers as she carefully wrote and organized files. Suddenly, her thoughts drifted to the tournament which takes place today in the kingdom.

"Will that girl be alright? I hope she's handling the pressure okay.

As time in her office passed by, the communicator on her desk breaks the silence. She answered the call, a tense and urgent voice can be heard on the other end.

"Madam, it's Rogue! We've got a breach."

After hearing the alert, Madam Nyx's calm facade instantly cracked, replaced with a worried and tense expression on her face. Without wasting any second, she sprang from her chair and immediately rushed out of her office heading to the sanctuaries gateway.

***

Madam Nyx arrived at the chamber where the gateway was located. The room was filled with guards who were already on high alert. The gateway itself was pulsating and shifting erratically, casting an unsettling dark light across the room.

Suddenly, the gate lurched, a person clad in black robe stepped through it, followed by two more shadowy figures behind it. The tension in the room spiked as Rogue, who was stationed at the gateway, stepped forward and commanded

 "Halt! Who are you, and what is your purpose here?"

The robed figure did not hesitate. With a swift motion, it conjured a dark, swirling vortex of energy and hurled it toward the guards and Madam Nyx. The attack crackled with destructive force, with the intention on breaching their defenses.

Without a moment's delay, Madam Nyx raised her hand and summoned a shimmering barrier of shadows. The barrier expanded rapidly, intercepting the vortex and absorbing the impact. The dark energy collided with the barrier and dispersed, leaving the guards and Madam Nyx unharmed behind the protective shield.

The robed figure scowled, its features obscured by the hood. The two figures behind it stayed silent with their intimidating presence. Madam Nyx's gaze sharpened as she assessed the intruders, bracing herself for the confrontation that loomed ahead.

The robed figure in front turned to its companions, with a cold voice, it commands them

 "Go. Each of you has a task to perform."

Without a word, the two figures behind it vanished into thin air, disappearing as if they were never there.

Madam Nyx immediately turned her attention to her communicator, intending to alert the capital. However, the orb was jammed. She tried again but the communicator still remained silent.

'Is this because of him?'

Turning sharply, Madam Nyx commanded Rogue, who had been standing by.

"Rogue, you must hurry to the capital at once. Alert them of this breach and ensure that they are prepared for any potential threat."

"Yes Madam!"

Rogue nodded quickly and immediately dashed out of the room.

After Madam Nyx confirmed Rogue's departure, she fixed her gaze to the robed figure in front of the gateway once more.

"Sadly, you're tresspasing in my sanctuary, i hope you're prepared for what's about to come."