"This Means War"

The dust had barely settled on the training grounds when the air suddenly crackled with energy. A cold wind swept through the arena, and a glowing silver portal tore open in the middle of the training grounds. El stepped through, his goldy form glowing like a star. His golden eyes, normally calm and knowing, were filled with urgency.

"Leor," El rumbled, his voice sweeping across the entire field. "Xal’dar’s forces have been spotted in the mountains to the north. They move swiftly, and if they are not stopped, they'll be here before nightfall. Xal'dar has shrouded them in a veil, masking their presence from your senses. Ready yourselves, they're coming for the sceptre."

As soon as El had delivered the news, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a faint whisper of his presence.

A ripple of tension spread through the group. The children, still catching their breath from training, looked to Leor and his companions. Some with fear, some with courage.