rescue mission

With a smile so innocent, I stepped forward. The guards who had been standing, narrowed their eyes at me.

"So…what exactly are we doing here?" I asked.

One of the guards gave a wary look, clearly not buying the act. "By the way, can divine guards heal themselves? I've heard they have some impressive abilities. Maybe you can help me heal my pet. It's been hurt recently and I'm a bit desperate."

They exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. One of the guards cleared his throat. "We are guarding, not healing."

I smiled even wider. "Oh I see! But if you're capable of healing, I thought it'd be a good idea to ask…you know for my pet"

…

I dropped to my knees, clasping my hands together. "Please!" I cried out, my voice cracking.

"My poor pet, Koichi! It's been hurt and it means the world to me! If only someone could heal it…"

Koichi looked offended in the distance.

One of the guards stepped forward. "I'll help you don't cry now, little one."

Then the other guard grabbed him. "Are you that dumb? Falling for such petty tricks."

"But…"

The guard looked at me. "We're on duty and were not here to help with whatever drama this is."

I glared up at the guards, frustrated. "You guys… especially you!" I pointed at the mean one. "You guys are useless! Who even puts you in charge? You're not fit to protect anything!"

Lylia was shocked to the core. "For the love of gods…Iris"

I stood up. "Y'know what? Burn in heal!"

I froze. What did I just say?

"I mean – uh, I mean hell! Burn in hell!"

The guard's expression darkened. "We do not speak of such words." He looked at the other guard. "Stay here. I'll handle this brat."

I stepped back. "Hey haha…"

Before the other guard could speak, we both ran off. The guard left alone sighed and followed behind.

"That was easy" Koichi muttered.

They reached the door and tried to push it open but nothing happened.

"What do we do now?" Lylia asked, glancing around.

Koichi glanced at her, unfazed. "What did I say earlier? We'll use the shadows."

"And who can use that skill here?" Yzette looked confused.

Koichi smiled at her. "You"

Yzette hesitated. "It's Azalea who can use shadows not Cygnet – "

"They're siblings" Koichi cut in. "Just trust me and give it a try."

Yzette still wasn't convinced but after a moment of thought, she decided to go for it. She closed her eyes, trying to tap into something she hadn't used before. The shadows around her responded and the floor beneath her feet darkened.

[New ability added to the character Yzette. Would you like to view it?]

I looked at the screen in front of me. "I cannot view a character's profile when I'm busy running!!!"

"I did it…" Yzette blinked in amazement.

Koichi looked surprised too. "Didn't know it'll actually work. Now let's go inside."

---

"Hah… THIS FEELS LIKE HELL!!"

I sprint through the hall, my feet pounding against the cold stone floor.

The guards are getting closer and I can hear their voices as they shout for me to stop. My breath comes in short gasps, my chest tight from exertion.

"I hope this is all just a dream…hah... I'm tired"

Just as I was about to turn, I collided with someone.

The impact is sudden and unexpected, sending me stumbling back a few steps. I barely manage to regain my balance. As I look up, my breath catches in my throat. A nervous smile spreads in my face.

"Hi there"

----

The three stand in the middle of the chamber, their eyes scanning every corner of the room. The chamber once filled with religious icons and moon symbols, now feels hollow and empty.

Exian is nowhere to be found.

"Where is he?" Lylia mutters, her eyes scanning every piece of furniture and decoration.

"He's not here" Yzette observes, her brows furrowing as she walks along the walls, her fingers brushing over the stones. "This makes no sense. He was locked in here, right?"

Koichi leans against one of the pillars, his expression unreadable. "Seems like someone's a step ahead of us. They knew we were coming or…"

Yzette crosses her arms. "But the room…there are no signs of struggle. It's like he just disappeared."

"Shit" Koichi sighs, tapping his fingers against the stone. "You guys should've expected more from Exian. He's no ordinary person and if someone could move him from here, it would have to be him."