power stones

A loud scream echoed in the nearby road.

Axel's expression hardened. Without a word, he turned to Matias.

"Did you hear that?" Axel's voice was sharp.

Matias, his grin still lingering from their recent victory, cocked his head. "That didn't sound like someone just tripping over their feet. Let's go see."

Without another word, they both darted in the direction of the scream. The sounds of chaos grew louder as they neared the road that led to the village.

---

As they crept up to the clearing, the sight that greeted them was a mess of overturned carts and chaos. A cart, flipped upside down, lay at the center of the road, its contents scattered across the dirt. But what caught their attention more than anything were the four massive trolls each towering over twelve feet tall attacking a group of 12 guards. The trolls swung their enormous clubs, knocking the guards back like ragdolls.

Axel took a slow breath, eyes scanning the scene. "There's a girl trapped back there," he muttered, noticing the girl clinging to the back of one of the guards, who was doing his best to protect her, she was young and had a very delicate skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes.

Matias raised an eyebrow. "You think they need our help?"

Axel was silent for a moment, watching the fight unfold. The guard leader, a tall man with a scar running down his face, stood in front of the girl, his sword raised. He deflected blows, but the trolls' strength was overwhelming. The guards, though skilled, couldn't seem to hold them back for long.

"They'll survive for now," Axel said, glancing over at Matias. "Let's just watch for a bit."

Matias grinned. "You just don't want to get your hands dirty yet."

Axel shot him a glare. "I'm waiting for the right moment."

---

As the trolls began to close in, the girl, her face pale with fear, grabbed onto the guard leader's armor. "Please, save me!" she cried, her voice trembling.

The guard leader grimaced but kept his focus on the trolls. "Stay behind me!" he shouted. "Don't move, no matter what."

"Damn it, why did the princess chose us for the escort team, one warrior and 11 soldiers...we won't last any longer."

The girl was terrified her wide eyes never left the terrifying creatures. She clung to his back, her legs shaky, barely able to keep up with the frantic pace of the fight.

One of the trolls swung its club with a roar, smashing it into the ground near the leader, knocking him off balance. He gritted his teeth, barely able to stay on his feet.

"We can't keep this up!" one of the guards shouted, panic creeping into his voice. "We need to retreat!"

The leader nodded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "No, we stay and protect her!"

But another troll swung its club at a guard, sending him flying into a nearby cart. "Retreat!" the leader barked. "Now!"

---

Axel and Matias stood in the shadows, watching the desperate struggle play out in front of them. The trolls were relentless, and the guards were starting to fall. Axel's gaze flickered to the girl and then back to the fight.

"What do you think?" Matias asked, his tone serious.

Axel didn't answer immediately. The situation was dire, but there was something about the way the trolls moved something that told him they weren't completely invincible. The guards were being overwhelmed, but if they were going to interfere, they had to be quick.

Matias nudged him, his grin returning. "If we don't do something, they're gonna be toast."

Axel finally nodded. "Alright. But we wait until they've moved the girl."

---

As if on cue, the guards turned and began fleeing down the road, the girl in tow. "Go, go!" the leader shouted, pushing the girl forward. "We need to get out of here!"

The trolls, confused for a moment, turned toward the retreating group, but before they could move, Axel's Undead Ape, mounted on a wild boar, charged into the fray. The beast smashed into the closest troll with a bone-crushing blow with his huge hammer, sending it staggering back with a loud roar.

Then, as if summoned from the shadows, Goblin Champion, riding a Monstrous Goblin, leaped into the battle. The monstrous creature's claws tore into another troll's hide, drawing blood and causing the beast to stumble.

The guard leader and the remaining guards looked up, their eyes widening as they saw the two creatures. The girl, still running with the group, paused, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of the strange beasts.

"What the hell are those?!" one of the guards shouted.

"Not the time to ask questions!" the leader snapped, dragging the girl further down the road.

"Whatever happened this is our chance to get away".

---

The two summoned creatures were now in full swing, attacking the trolls with ruthless efficiency. The Undead Ape smashed its fists into the troll's head, sending it crashing to the ground, while the Monstrous Goblin slashed at the legs of another, its claws cutting deep.

But the guard leader and his group didn't wait to watch the battle unfold. Their focus was entirely on getting the girl to safety.

"Let's move!" the leader shouted. "Now! Before those things turn on us!"

The guards and the girl took off running toward the village, disappearing into the trees. The leader's face was etched with exhaustion, but he kept his sword in hand, ready for anything.

As soon as they were gone, Axel and Matias stepped out from their hiding spot. Axel's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the remaining trolls.

"It's our turn now," Axel said, his voice steady.

Matias smirked. "Took you long enough."

--

The Monstrous Goblin and Undead Ape wasted no time. The creatures were already on the remaining trolls, pushing them back with a barrage of attacks. Axel's Ghost Fire erupted around him, searing the trolls' souls with brutal intensity. Matias darted into the shadows, using his speed to get behind the trolls and strike with his daggers.

One by one, the trolls fell, unable to withstand the coordinated assault. The Undead Ape crushed one beneath its massive fists while the Monstrous Goblin disemboweled another. Axel summoned Ape Minions to help finish the job.

Finally, with the last troll lying lifeless on the road, Axel and Matias took a moment to catch their breath.

"Nice job," Matias said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "That was almost too easy."

Axel nodded, but his mind was already working. He moved to the fallen trolls, preparing the summoning ritual. His blood dripped onto the ground as he marked the bodies with his magic. One by one, the trolls' forms began to twitch and shudder as they came back under Axel's command.

"More pets for the collection," Axel muttered, his eyes scanning the battlefield.

Matias stretched, his grin returning. "You and your summons. You sure know how to get some good use out of a fight, but next time let them die first then save them".

Axel give him a strange look" we don't want them to know us and who knows what trouble lays ahead of them, it's better to be cautious, monsters are dumb but humans can't be trusted ".

-----

The road back to Harmonia was long, and every step felt heavier than the last.

Matias stretched his arms behind his head, groaning. "I swear, next time, I'm riding that goblin champion like a king."

Axel snorted, side-eyeing him. "You'd fall off in two seconds."

Matias huffed. "Then I'll make it a throne."

The two walked in tired silence for a while. The battle still lingered in their minds—the thrill of dodging a troll's crushing fist, the eerie green glow of the goblin nest, the weight of their summons tearing through the battlefield. Victory felt good, but exhaustion was settling in fast.

By the time they reached the city gates, the sky was deep blue, the sun a dying ember on the horizon. Harmonia's lanterns flickered to life, casting golden halos over the cobbled streets.

Eliza stood in the doorway, arms crossed, expression sharp. She wasn't scolding them, not yet but her stare had the weight of a thousand questions.

"Nest's gone."

Matias followed, stretching his arms. "Oh, and we fought three trolls. No big deal."

Eliza's gaze didn't waver. "And you're both still alive?"

Axel shrugged, dropping onto a chair. "Clearly."

She didn't flinch, but there was the barest twitch of relief at the corner of her mouth. "Details. Now."

And so, they told her everything—the goblins, the trolls, the way their summons had sent the mercenaries running.

Eliza sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're reckless." But there was something else in her tone. Not anger. Not disappointment. Something closer to reluctant admiration. "At least you didn't die."

Axel smirked. "Not for lack of trying."

Matias plopped down, kicking his boots up onto the table. "Now, onto the good part."

A messy pile of loot spilled over the wooden surface rusted weapons, torn leather armor, trinkets, and a hefty pouch of silver.

Eliza raised an eyebrow. "That all?"

Mat give her a meaningful look "hehe, the real prize sat in the center, three Power Stones."

One is Green faintly glowing, infused with nature's energy, one is Red deep ember, pulsing with heat. But one is Blue swirling with liquid magic.

Axel picked up the Green one and tossed it to Eliza. "Yours. Might help you advance to the protector level in no time."

Eliza caught it, studying the soft glow in her palm. Something flickered in her eyes—curiosity, maybe gratitude but she buried it just as quickly. "Just don't expect a thank you."

"The Red and Blue stones, though, were useless to us , Those need to be exchanged at the guild," Axel said.

---

The guild was quieter at this hour, but the lingering scent of sweat, ale, and adventurer bravado clung to the air. Elsa stood behind the counter, arms resting on the wooden surface, chewing lazily on a piece of dried fruit.

She barely looked up as they approached. "Ah, it's you two , how can I help you this time"

Axel dropped the Red and Blue stones onto the counter. "Exchange."

Elsa picked them up, holding them to the lantern's glow. "Not your type, huh?"

Matias leaned on the counter. "Unless I suddenly develop an interest in boiling water or starting campfires, no."

Elsa smirked. "Fair." She reached beneath the counter and pulled out two replacements, tossing them onto the wood with a casual flick of her wrist.

Metal Power Stone –dense, humming with unyielding strength And a dark Power Stone –deep violet, shadows curling around its edges.

Axel picked up the Dark one. A strange sensation crept up his fingers, cold and familiar, like something meant to belong. But he kept that thought to himself.

Matias grinned. "Now this is more like it."

Elsa tapped the counter. "Two silver."

Axel sighed, handing over the payment. "Highway robbery."

Elsa shrugged. "Guild rules."

They turned to leave. But then a voice echoed

"You two. A word?"

---

Axel and Matias turned to face a party of three adventurers.

"Hello, my name is Dario, this is mia, and Claus"

Dario stood in front with a tanklike, broad shouldered, clad in reinforced leather. His arms were crossed, expression firm but not unkind.

To his side, Mia, a healer, gave them an awkward but genuine smile. She looked too soft for this profession.

And behind them, Claus.

Dark hood. Silent. Watching.

Matias raised an eyebrow. "Is there anything you want from us?"

Dario nodded. "You handled a goblin nest alone, didn't you?"

Axel tilted his head. "It was a matter of pure luck "

Mia stepped forward. "We're forming a team for a mission. Four days from now. Level 3 mission. Escort job to the Elven Kingdom. High reward, minimal risk."

Matias scoffed. "Minimal risk? That's what they always say before things go horribly wrong."

Dario chuckled. "Fair point. But this is just a transport job. We need extra hands, and you two seemed… available."

Axel caught the hesitation. That pause. They thought he and Matias were weak and harmless .

But let them believe it.

Axel scratched his chin. "You're sure this is a good idea? You barely know us, plus, this mission is one level higher than us."

Mia waved a hand. "I met Dario two weeks ago. We did two missions together. Claus suggested this one today. He says it's worth it."

Axel glanced at Claus. Still silent. Still watching.

Matias leaned forward. " According to guild rules , to take on higher level mission we have to be at least 5 and have one or more adventurers of the same level as the mission. ".

Dario shrugged. "He's half a step into Protector rank. If he thought this mission was dangerous, we wouldn't be taking it."

Axel narrowed his eyes. That's impressive, it's good to have some strong person in the the team, no one knows what danger lies ahead".

--

Matias was thinking , A level 3 mission? Not bad. Could be fun. But why us? Could it be that they don't need us but they just one two small adventurers to complete the team".

Axel's Thoughts: They think we're weak. Good. We don't even have to pretend".

Matias sighed dramatically. "Well, if you're paying for the drinks after, I'm in."

Axel shrugged. "Since you are confident then why not do it, we happen to be free these days."

Mia clapped her hands. "Great! We'll meet here in four days."

Claus didn't speak. Just nodded, there was finally a faint smile on his face.

---

As they stepped outside, Matias stretched, yawning. "So. Think this is a setup?"

Axel smirked, his fingers tightening around the Dark Power Stone.

"Hahaha, if they dare " he said, voice low, "the best they can do is join my collection."

Hearing this, Mat couldn't help but give him a thump up "_"