Karcel, Rael, and Naida pressed forward through the wilderness, knowing that every moment brought them closer to the heart of the conflict. As they neared the edge of the wild lands, a figure emerged from the shadows—a mortal warrior, clad in armor that shimmered faintly with divine power.
"Who goes there?" Rael called, her hand on her sword.
The warrior stepped forward, his face revealed in the light of Naida's magic. He was tall and lean, with dark hair and piercing eyes. There was something about him that immediately struck Karcel as familiar, though she couldn't place it.
"I am Kalos," the man said, his voice steady. "I seek an audience with the goddess of balance."
Karcel narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"
"I bring a message from the mortal realms. The gods have abandoned us, and the world is falling into darkness. But I am here to pledge my sword to your cause. If there is any hope of restoring order, we mortals must stand with you."
Karcel studied him carefully. There had been a time when the gods and mortals fought side by side, but that time was long past. The mortals had since become insignificant in the grand scheme of divine power struggles. Yet something in Kalos's demeanor told her he was more than just another mortal warrior
.
"Why should I trust you?" she asked.
"Because I have nothing left to lose," Kalos said, his gaze unwavering. "My people are dying. If you fail, we all die."
There was truth in his words, and Karcel couldn't afford to turn down any potential ally. "Very well," she said. "You'l
l fight with us."