Millycheick

Caden is an ordinary young man—or so it seems. For weeks, his nights have been haunted by enigmatic dreams in which a mysterious woman warns him of an imminent danger. When his life takes a sudden turn, he discovers that he possesses an elemental power, an ancient energy symbolized by a zodiac mark on his body. Yet one detail haunts him: he knows he wasn’t born with this mark, and his past before the age of nine is a complete blank.

In his search for answers, Caden encounters others who bear similar marks, each tied to an elemental power and representing a zodiac sign. These chosen ones, known as the Zodiac Mages, are guardians of a fragile balance, but their unity shattered years ago. Now, their powers have become the target of those willing to go to any lengths to claim them.

To counter this growing threat, Caden sets out to rebuild the Brotherhood of Zodiac Mages. Together, they must overcome their differences, restore the harmony of old, and face an enemy whose strength is beyond imagination. But every alliance comes with its own risks: caught between friendship and betrayal, Caden must discern allies from foes and uncover the truth about his own origins.

The Zodiac Mages

A few days later, Aletha was finally allowed to leave the hospital. The small group went to what remained of their house. The scene was desolate: blackened walls, charred furniture, consumed mementos. Together, they sorted through what could still be salvaged, then burned the rest to erase all traces of their presence. When they were finished, they set off for the village of Lunestelle, looking for Maël.

The march was silent at first. Bella and Zetch led the way, chatting quietly. For the first time, Caden and Aletha walked side by side at the back. An awkward silence had fallen between them.

Aletha glanced discreetly around her, carefully avoiding Caden's gaze. After a few hesitations, she took a deep breath and, timidly, said,

"I... I wanted to thank you. For saving me."

At that, Caden stumbled abruptly and fell to the ground with a thud.

Everyone stopped, surprised. Bella turned around immediately, looking worried.

Caden stood up, rubbing his elbow with a mocking grin.

"Yeah, yeah, nothing broken. I just... I thought Aletha thanked me. Haha... that was a joke."

Aletha narrowed her eyes, her face reddening with anger.

"Do you want me to take it back?!"

Bella, amused, chuckled to herself while Zetch rolled his eyes.

The two involved began to bicker like children.

"It's amazing how even when I'm nice, you find a way to annoy me!" Aletha snapped.

"And you, could you say thank you without making it sound like a crime?" Caden retorted, his arms crossed.

Bella, already exasperated, hissed at Zetch,

"Is it too much to ask them to get along for five minutes?"

Zetch shrugged, a smirk on his lips.

"Apparently so. What if they actually fought?"

"No... but we could always report back after they self-destruct," he said with a wink.

Bella rolled her eyes and clapped her hands, focusing her power. A shockwave of air hit the two hotheads, knocking them to the ground.

Aletha started to retort, but suddenly winced in pain.

"Yes!" she groaned, glaring at him.

She tried to get up on her own, but her leg gave way, and she winced again.

"Are you going to say you can walk again?" he said, before abruptly lifting her into his arms.

"H-Hey! What are you doing?!" Aletha cried, flushed with embarrassment.

"With your injury, you'll barely be able to walk ten steps."

"And now you're playing Prince Charming?!"

"Don't make me regret my kindness," he grumbled, carrying her confidently.

Behind them, Bella and Zetch stared, mouths agape.

"Am I dreaming or...?" Bella murmured, her eyes wide.

"I think my jaw just dropped," Zetch replied.

And as Caden walked past them with Aletha in his arms, she continued to protest quietly... but without really trying to escape.

The Quarrel of the Two Stubborn Minds