Chapter 21: Attack (Part 1)

Mmm I don't know, I wasn't really convinced by how the chapter ended. Tell me please if you like it

–

The morning passed as usual at the Xander Familia headquarters. After a quick breakfast and some encouraging words, Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra headed out the front door, ready for another day in the dungeon.

Xander stood in the doorway, watching them, arms crossed. He watched them walk down the street until they disappeared into the crowd.

Silence filled the house as they closed the door.

Xander leaned against one of the columns in the room, enjoying the moment of quiet in the headquarters. But absolute silence had never been something he particularly liked.

He crossed his arms, looking around. There wasn't much to do, at least nothing urgent. Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra would be busy in the dungeon for a while, and he didn't have any meetings pending.

His gaze slid to a corner of the room, where he'd left a small pile of parchment. He smiled to himself.

"Maybe it's a good time to keep writing…"

He approached, picked up the scroll he'd been working on, and unrolled it. It was the second book in the saga he'd begun to bring to life in this world: a story of epic conflict, betrayal, and redemption. There was still much to unfold.

He sat down, took up a pen, and let his thoughts flow. He had reached a crucial part of the story, where a hero's fate hung in the balance.

Xander gave a small smile.

"Let's see if I can do the story justice this time…"

And with that determination, he began to write.

Xander sat down at his desk, exhaling calmly as he ran his hands over the blank sheet of paper. The quill rested between his fingers, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he began to write.

"Warcraft: Path of the Damned"

The title was printed at the top of the page, crisp and final. Xander smiled slightly, enjoying the feeling of starting something new.

"Let's start with a strong stroke," he thought as the pen began to glide smoothly over the paper.

The words took shape quickly, describing Arthas's glorious entry into Lordaeron. The streets crowded with cheering citizens, the shower of petals falling in his path, the war drums pounding like the echo of an inexorable fate. Xander leaned forward slightly, his mind visualizing the scene clearly.

Xander ran his fingers along the edge of the sheet, making sure the ink was set before continuing. He'd set the scene carefully, building the perfect atmosphere. Now came the final blow.

The pen moved again.

Arthas approached the throne slowly. Each step echoed in the vast hall, the sound of his boots on the marble reflecting the weight of his decision. Terenas looked at him proudly, not noticing the shadow that fell across his son's face.

"You have returned, my son."

Xander paused. He let the moment settle in his mind before writing the next line.

"You should not carry the weight of the crown."

The blade's edge emerged in an instant. Frostmourne shone with a cold, eerie glow as the steel sank mercilessly into the king's chest. The air hung suspended for an eternal second before blood stained the throne steps.

Terenas barely had time to let out a broken whisper.

"Arthas… what… are you doing, my son?"

"Dethroning you, father… let your eyes close"

The words died on her lips as her crown fell, rolling down the steps. A metallic, empty sound, the last echo of her reign.

Xander exhaled softly.

His fingers traced the last line with precision.

"This kingdom must fall, and from its ashes a new order will rise. One that will shake the very foundations of the world."

He dropped his pen and leaned back in his chair, contemplating what he'd just written. A brutal, but necessary, beginning.

Lordaeron had fallen.

And the story of the Plague was just beginning.

Xander leaned his elbows on the table, mentally reviewing the direction the story would take. He'd already mapped out the beginning with Arthas murdering his father. Now, the next scene would show his descent even deeper into darkness.

He took his pen and began to write.

Arthas emerged from the throne room with a firm stride, his father's blood still fresh on his armor. Lordaeron, his home, was nothing but a field of death and ash. But he wasn't done.

This is where Tichondrius would come in. Xander paused for a moment, visualizing the figure of the Nathrezim. A being of pure malice, a shadow in the night that whispered promises of power.

"I'm here to make sure YOU do your job, little human."

Xander let the scene build in his mind before continuing to write. Tichondrius wasn't there to congratulate Arthas, but to give him his next mission: to round up the Scourge cultists. The zealots who had once helped spread death across Lordaeron were now going into hiding.

Arthas had no patience for weakness.

Xander wrote how the former prince scoured the ruined city, finding the cultists one by one. The peasants, still believing Arthas was there to save them, watched in terror as their own troops were mercilessly slaughtered. Anyone who stood in the way, be they soldier, guard, or noble, fell to the runeblade.

The Plague rose again.

Xander paused, stretching his wrist before moving on to the next chapter.

Chapter Two: Raising the Dead.

The story had to continue. Now came one of the heaviest parts: Arthas's final betrayal of the paladins who had once been his brothers.

Kel'Thuzad.

Xander wrote down her name firmly. Her return would be Arthas's priority, but to do so, he would first need to recover her body. And the only ones guarding her remains were the same paladins who had fought alongside her in the past.

This is where things would get personal.

Xander let the scene play out in his head. Arthas facing off against those who had once called him brother. Hunting them down one by one.

And at the end of the road…

Uther.

Xander smiled bitterly as he wrote his name. This would be the ultimate duel. Master versus student. Light versus darkness.

No, he amended. It was no longer light versus dark. Arthas had no doubts. Only purpose.

Xander tilted his head, considering how to frame this confrontation. Uther would not be easy to defeat. He was the strongest paladin in the order, a battle-hardened warrior. Arthas would have to employ all his strength, his cunning, and most of all, the corrupting power of Frostmourne.

When the fight came to an end, Uther would fall. And with him, Lordaeron's last hope.

Xander closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the magnitude of the scene he was about to write. He took a breath, picked up his pen, and let the story continue.

Arthas and Uther. Master and student.

The grand paladin, as firm as a mountain, wielded his sacred hammer with the same determination that had led him to lead the order. Facing him was the former prince, his gaze icy, his runeblade thrumming with a dark force.

Xander described the battle with the intensity it deserved. It wasn't just a clash of weapons, but of ideals. Uther fought with the conviction of someone who still believed in the light, in justice. Arthas, on the other hand, fought with the coldness of someone who no longer had anything left to lose.

Every blow of Uther's hammer echoed like thunder, illuminating the darkness Arthas brought with him. But Frostmourne… Frostmourne was no ordinary weapon. With every parry, with every deflected thrust, the sword absorbed Uther's holy energy, draining his strength bit by bit.

Xander leaned further over the desk, feeling the urgency in every word he typed. Uther attempted one last blow, one that in the past would have brought down any adversary. But not Arthas. Not the Lich King in the making.

Frostmourne pierced Uther's armor.

Xander let the scene slow down on the page. Uther falling to his knees, disbelief plastered across his face. Looking at Arthas not as an enemy… but as a lost son.

The paladin's last words hung in the air:

"I sincerely hope there is a place in hell reserved for you, Arthas."

And then, with one final move, the former prince ended his master's life.

Xander exhaled and laid his pen down for a moment. He had written without pause, caught up in the intensity of the scene.

Uther was dead.

Lordaeron had no more heroes.

Kel'Thuzad would be the next step.

Xander smiled, feeling the weight of the story in his hands. There was still so much left to tell. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. He had managed to capture one of the most important events in the saga.

Arthas had crossed the point of no return.

Xander drummed his fingers against the table, looking down at the pages with a thoughtful expression. He had captured the fall of Lordaeron, the death of Uther, and the resurgence of Kel'Thuzad as a ghost. So far, everything he had written had a dramatic weight, but also a certain distance from the reality of Orario.

However, the next chapter…

Quel'Thalas.

Xander exhaled slowly. He knew what was coming. Arthas and his undead army would march toward the high elven lands, razing everything in their path. The Elven gates would fall, the forests would burn, and the elven nobility would be slaughtered mercilessly.

He placed a hand on his chin, considering. He wasn't stupid. He knew the elves of Orario, especially one of Loki's Familia, might react badly if they ever read this part of the book. Although his story was fictional, the idea of an invasion and extermination of an elven kingdom wouldn't be well received.

"Damn…" he muttered, running the pen through his fingers.

I could try to smooth over some details… but I didn't want to censor the story. This was what had happened in Warcraft. Arthas showed no mercy, no remorse. It was an unstoppable march toward destruction.

He stared at the blank paper for a long time.

Was it a risk? Yes. But so was not telling the story properly.

Finally, Xander sighed and picked up the pen.

He couldn't stop now.

Arthas and the Scourge were on the move. And Quel'Thalas was about to fall.

The Scourge army advanced on the forests of Quel'Thalas, a tide of death confronting the beauty and resilience of the elves. But it would not be a simple massacre. At the forefront of the defense, one warrior stood out for her skill and determination: Sylvanas Windrunner.

Xander described how the ranger-general harassed the undead troops with precise attacks, forcing Arthas to fight for every inch of ground. It wasn't like in Lordaeron, where the living panicked at the unstoppable tide of the dead. The elves knew how to resist, and their leader wouldn't give up easily.

Each encounter between Arthas and Sylvanas grew more personal, with the fallen prince growing irritated at the elf's constant interference. Xander took his time to reflect on that growing frustration, Arthas's contempt for his enemy's stubbornness, and his determination to make her pay for every second she wasted.

But despite its resilience, Quel'Thalas was doomed. Xander placed the quill on the table and exhaled slowly.

There was still a long way to go before the final fall of the elven city, but what she was writing now would set the tone for everything that followed. Sylvanas wasn't just going to lose... she was going to be crushed.

And Arthas would make sure he remembered it.

…

Xander let out a soft sigh as he turned the last written page. He'd finished putting the fall of Quel'Thalas into words, and the feeling it left was heavy.

Arthas had achieved what he set out to do: Sylvanas had fallen. But instead of allowing her to rest in peace, he had turned her into something worse. Xander had taken special care to describe that moment, the elven general's agony as her spirit was ripped from her body, her cry of rage and despair as she realized what had been done to her. A banshee, a lost soul bound to the service of her killer.

It was cruel, yes, but true to the story.

Xander drummed his fingers on the table, mentally replaying the next big scene: the final conquest of Silvermoon. There were no more warriors left to defend the city, only the guardians of the Sunwell. But even they could not stand against the army of the dead.

He described how Arthas strode through the golden halls, his bloody boots trampling the elven history as if it were nothing more than dust. The guardians of the Well fought to their last breath, but the Scourge showed no mercy. When the last fell, the fallen prince already had his goal in sight: the Sunwell, the source of elven power.

Xander carefully wrote the final scene, the moment when Arthas carried Kel'Thuzad's remains to the center of the magical fountain. An unnatural glow enveloped the necromancer's bones, warping them and giving them new life—if it could even be called life.

Kel'Thuzad, now a lich, rose with terrifying power. The desecration of the Sunwell was complete.

Xander put his quill down on the table, staring at the written pages with a mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. He had closed another great chapter of history, and with it, Quel'Thalas was just a memory.

But there was still much left to tell.

Xander leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh as he looked at the pages written before him. The fall of Quel'Thalas, the desecration of the Sunwell… it had been a difficult stretch of history, and he felt it in every word he'd written.

He looked out the window and noticed that night had already fallen on Orario. The streets would be quieter now, barely lit by streetlights and moonlight. He had lost track of time while writing.

He carefully picked up the book and closed it, running his hand over the leather cover. "I'll continue tomorrow," he thought, although he knew the next part would be no less dark.

He stood up with a light stretch, turned off the lamp on his desk, and left the room. It was time to rest.

Xander stopped dead in his tracks before leaving the study. He frowned and glanced toward the headquarters' main door. Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra still hadn't returned from the dungeon.

He looked at the clock on the wall. More time had passed than he thought. Normally, they'd be back by this time, especially after a full day of exploring.

"Maybe they were delayed by some complicated fight," he thought, but unease settled in his chest.

He went to the window and looked out onto the street. He saw no sign of them.

Crossing his arms, he sighed. He didn't want to think the worst, but staying put didn't seem like an option either.

Xander closed his eyes and focused on the connection to his blessing. Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra were still alive. That was a relief.

Still, he frowned. They'd been here longer than usual. It didn't necessarily mean they were injured... but he couldn't help but speculate. Perhaps they'd ventured deeper than planned, perhaps they'd encountered a larger group of monsters than expected, or perhaps they'd simply decided to stay longer to train Cassandra.

He leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. He could wait for them a little longer, but if they didn't return soon, he'd have to consider going to the Guild to see if anyone had heard anything.

After a while, Xander stood up from his seat as soon as he saw them walk in. It wasn't uncommon for them to come back exhausted or dirty after a day in the Dungeon, but this time something was off.

Her gaze first fell on Veldrin, who seemed fine, though his serious expression and the way he closed the door behind him indicated something had happened. Then she looked at Cassandra and Lili… and her brow furrowed.

Both of their clothes were damaged, with small holes here and there, some large enough to reveal the skin underneath. But what caught his attention most were the dried bloodstains on their arms and legs. They had no visible wounds, which meant only one thing: they had used healing potions before returning.

Xander placed his hands on the table and sighed, trying to contain the worry building in his chest. This wasn't his first time seeing something like this—he knew the Dungeon was dangerous, even for an experienced group—but he still couldn't ignore the feeling of unease that came with seeing them like this.

He crossed his arms and looked at them silently for a moment before speaking, his tone calm but firm.

"So? What happened down there?"

Lili and Cassandra exchanged glances, as if unsure who should speak first. Veldrin, for his part, simply crossed his arms and watched silently, making it clear that he expected them to be the ones to explain.

Finally, it was Cassandra who broke the silence, nervously scratching the back of her neck. "There was a small… accident."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Accident?"

Lili sighed and crossed her arms. "Lili and Cassandra were ambushed in a narrow hallway. It looked clear, but a group of War Shadows were hidden in the walls."

Xander clicked his tongue. War Shadows were particularly pesky monsters. They were thin and dark, like living shadows, capable of moving stealthily and passing through surfaces. They ambushed unwary adventurers and attacked with sharp claws.

"They attacked us from the sides, and Cassandra got scratched on the arm. Lili tried to cover her, but another one almost caught her from behind." Lili glanced at Cassandra. "If it weren't for her wolves, Lili wouldn't be here telling the tale."

Cassandra nodded, lowering her head slightly. "I used my magic to electrocute them, but... I got too confident. I thought I'd already taken them out, and one was still alive. It reached me before I could react." Xander sighed and placed a hand on his hip. "And how long did it take them to heal?"

"Quickly," Veldrin replied for the first time in the entire conversation. "We had plenty of potions."

Xander watched them for a moment, making sure they were really okay. He saw no signs of pain or extreme fatigue, which was a good sign. Finally, he let out a breath and shrugged.

"Well, at least they learned something, right?"

Cassandra smiled a little embarrassedly. "Yes… don't let your guard down until the bodies are gone."

Lili nodded. "And always watch the walls."

Veldrin just snorted. "As long as they remember, it's fine."

Xander looked at his three adventurers and smiled slightly. Yes, the Dungeon was dangerous, and there would always be risks… but as long as they kept learning and growing, he'd know they were on the right path.

…

That night, Orario wasn't as peaceful as usual. Although everything seemed normal at the Xander Familia headquarters, outside, rumors were beginning to spread.

Xander was flipping through the pages of his book, reviewing what he'd written during the day, when a knock at the door broke him from his concentration. Veldrin entered, his expression neutral, but there was something in his gaze, a silent alertness.

"There are strange movements in the city," he said bluntly.

Xander put the book aside. "What kind of moves?"

Veldrin crossed his arms. "I don't know for sure. There's talk of bandits and assassins appearing on the streets. Crime isn't unusual in Orario, but… something feels different."

Xander frowned. "Enough to worry us?"

"Maybe. Nothing's happened in our area, but I've heard the Astrea Familia and the Hermes Familia are investigating. They haven't found any clear clues, but Ryuu thinks something big is coming."

The god tilted his head thoughtfully. "If Ryuu suspects something, he's probably right."

Veldrin nodded. "It could just be paranoia, but it doesn't hurt to be vigilant."

Xander stood up from his seat. "Okay, tomorrow I want you all to keep your eyes open in the dungeon. If something happens above ground, there might be unusual activity down there, too."

Xander leaned against the desk, crossing his arms as he looked at Veldrin.

"By the way, have you been able to talk to Ryuu yet?" he asked in a casual tone, although he was actually interested in the answer. He knew the elf still didn't fully trust Veldrin after the incident with her transformation.

Veldrin, who was about to leave, stopped dead in his tracks. There was a brief silence before he answered. "No."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Have you tried?"

Veldrin turned his head slightly. "Yes."

Xander let out a sigh. "Let me guess, she gave you her classic 'I don't trust you' look and just went on with her day."

Veldrin said nothing, but his silence confirmed everything.

Xander clicked his tongue. "It's not that I'm surprised. To her, what you did in the duel was dangerous. And considering what she's been through in her life, it's normal for her to be suspicious."

Veldrin tilted his head slightly. "I'm not interested in her trusting me. I just don't want her to see me as a threat."

Xander crossed his arms. "It's a start, I guess." Then he smiled slightly. "But if you want some advice: Give it time. Ryuu doesn't seem like the type of person who changes her mind overnight. Do your work, show her who you are, and eventually… well, maybe she won't look at you like you're trouble waiting to happen."

Veldrin didn't respond, but his posture relaxed slightly. He nodded once and left the room, leaving him alone.

Xander spent most of the morning at his Familia's headquarters, reviewing some notes in his book and making sure everything was in order before Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra returned from the dungeon. However, the unease lingered in the air.

There was something strange about the city.

It wasn't just a passing sensation. Over the past few days, the rumors had become more persistent. Whispers in the Guild, hurried conversations among the merchants, adventurers looking over their shoulders more than usual. Something was happening in Orario.

He decided to go out and take a walk around the city, taking advantage of the clear weather. He wandered aimlessly, observing people and listening to any conversation that seemed relevant.

Finally, he stopped at a small food stall near the central market. He wasn't very hungry, but he bought a meat skewer to give himself an excuse to stay there for a while. Nearby, a group of low-level adventurers were talking quietly, believing no one else was listening.

"…another one. They found him this morning in Red Alley."

"Another body? Seriously? The fourth this week?"

"Yes. The worst part is they didn't take anything. They just left it there. As if they wanted it to be found."

Xander pretended to pay attention to his food, but his mind was racing. Four murders in one week. That wasn't normal, even in the most dangerous neighborhoods of Orario.

Another adventurer in the group spoke with a frown. "They say the Astrea Familia and the Hermes Familia are moving around the city. They must know something."

"Do you think it's Evilus?"

Xander pressed the meat onto his skewer. Evilus.

He knew there were still remnants of the criminal group, but until now they had remained in the shadows. If they were behind this, then it was only a matter of time before something big happened.

He left some coins at the stall and walked away, his thoughts racing. He needed answers. And he only knew one person who might be able to give them to him.

It didn't take long to find what he was looking for. The Hermes Familia always had a presence in the city, even when you didn't want to find them.

After wandering around the shopping district a few times, Xander spotted a Familia adventurer dressed in his signature white and orange robes. He didn't recognize him personally, but that didn't matter. Hermes always knew more than he let on, and with any luck, his people could confirm what he already suspected.

He approached calmly. "Hey, do you have a moment?"

The adventurer looked at him suspiciously. "It depends on who asks."

Xander gave him a casual smile. "A bored god who wants to understand what the hell is going on in this city."

The man hesitated for a moment, but seeing that Xander wasn't going to back down, he sighed and led him to a more secluded corner.

"I don't know much, but yes, we've been investigating. There's something big going on in Orario." 

"Evilus."

The adventurer nodded cautiously. "We have no proof, but it's the only option that makes sense. The murders aren't robberies. They're messages. They're planning something, and when they decide to act, it won't be a small thing."

Xander crossed his arms, processing the information. "Does the Astrea Familia know anything else?"

"They're looking for clues like us. But Evilus is cunning. They move as if they already know which areas to avoid."

Xander clicked his tongue. That wasn't a good sign.

"If this continues, sooner or later someone is going to make the first move."

The Hermes adventurer nodded gravely. "Yes. And when they do, we'd better be prepared."

Xander looked out at the buildings of Orario, at the sunlight-lit streets. Soon, the city's calm would be broken. And when it was, there would be no turning back.

Xander spent the rest of the afternoon scouring the city, making sure it wasn't just his paranoia that made him feel something was off. However, the more he listened and watched, the clearer it became: Evilus was on the move.

There were already too many rumors of murders in the most dangerous streets of Orario, and now even low-level adventurers were whispering about the Astrea Familia and Hermes Familia investigations. That could only mean something big was brewing in the shadows.

And the worst part was that no one knew exactly what.

Eventually, he decided to return to his Familia's home. If something was going to happen, he couldn't afford to be unprepared.

…

By the time Xander arrived at the headquarters, night had already fallen on Orario. Opening the door, he found Veldrin sitting by the table, his arms crossed and eyes closed, clearly lost in thought. Lili was nearby, adjusting the mechanism of her crossbow while Cassandra stirred some medicinal herbs in a jar.

"Busy afternoon?" Xander asked with a half smile, closing the door behind him.

Veldrin opened his eyes and looked at him seriously. "Something like that."

Cassandra looked up for a moment, but didn't say anything. Xander noticed Lili avoiding his gaze as well. Something had definitely happened.

He approached the table and sat down. "Well, I guess I'll speak first. Evilus is moving around the city."

The three of them tensed instantly.

"…So the rumors were true," Veldrin muttered.

"More than rumors," Xander replied calmly. "Someone is killing people and leaving them in plain sight, as if sending a message. The Astrea Familia and the Hermes Familia are already investigating, but they haven't found any concrete evidence."

Lili frowned. "So… we don't know what they're planning?"

"Exactly." Xander sighed and leaned an elbow on the table. "But they will soon. They won't be playing shadow games much longer." Silence fell over the room.

Cassandra was the first to speak. "If Evilus is really going to attack… we must be prepared."

Xander nodded. "Yeah. But for now, the best thing we can do is stay alert. We can't just go out and pick a fight."

Veldrin leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "If they attack the city, the first to respond will be the Ganesha Familia and the Loki Familia. We can't act until there's a clear opportunity."

Xander smiled wryly. "Exactly. Although if I knew Hermes better, I'd say we'll find out about things before they're official."

Lili grimaced, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.

"For now, let's stick to our routine," Xander continued, standing up. "If anything changes, we'll move accordingly."

No one argued. It was only a matter of time before conflict erupted.

The atmosphere at headquarters remained tense even after the conversation ended. Everyone understood what Evilus's presence in the city meant.

It wasn't just the immediate danger that worried Xander, but the chaos that would follow. Evilus didn't attack for no reason, and if they were making so much noise in the shadows, they were planning something big.

How many lives would be at risk when they finally made their move?

Xander decided not to press the issue any further that evening. He knew Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra were already on their toes, and it wouldn't do much good to just keep mulling over the same thing without any new information.

…

The next morning, the city awoke with a different air, as if the tension had spread to every corner of Orario.

Xander went out early to stroll through the shopping district, intending to buy some supplies before anything else happened. Although he didn't want to admit it, a part of him was also hoping to hear something new.

It didn't take long for him to notice the presence of several Hermes Familia adventurers lurking around the area, some of them clearly keeping an eye on strategic points. They weren't trying to hide.

Hermes wanted people to know they were patrolling.

Xander leaned against the wall of a tavern and watched from a distance. Hermes never did anything without a reason. If he was letting his Familia act so openly, it meant something was close.

And then, he heard it.

"They say the Astrea Familia was searching for clues all night."

"The red captain was here."

Xander turned his head slightly, focusing on two adventurers talking in whispers not far from where he was.

"You didn't find anything, did you?"

"Nothing concrete. But…"

The adventurer lowered his voice.

"…someone saw a suspicious group moving near the guild district. They were gathering in an abandoned warehouse."

Xander narrowed his eyes. Evilus holding meetings in the city?

Something didn't add up. Evilus tended to operate in the shadows, not letting himself be seen so easily.

But they were in the city, and the Astrea Familia hadn't been able to track them down at all...

Xander felt a chill run down his neck.

Maybe they weren't trying to hide.

Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment to move.

Xander swirled his glass slowly, watching the liquid reflect off the varnished wood of the table. The conversation in the tavern had shifted from relaxed to more tense in a matter of minutes. What had at first seemed like stray whispers now felt like a veiled warning.

Gangs of thugs, disappearances in dark alleys, unreported murders. Small, scattered details that, seen separately, could be ignored. But when you pieced them together, the picture became disturbing.

It didn't take a genius to realize something big was about to happen.

He brought the glass to his lips without actually drinking, more out of habit than thirst. His thoughts were swirling around Evilus. He'd heard about them before, about how they'd wreaked havoc in the past. But at that moment, the situation felt different. Something in the way people whispered their fears, in the alert gaze of the veteran adventurers who usually ignored gossip, told him this wasn't just paranoia.

Then, he heard something that made him frown.

"They say the Astrea Familia is moving around more than usual. It seems they've noticed something strange, too."

Xander calmly placed his glass on the table, but inside he was already analyzing the information. The Astrea Familia wasn't easily alarmed. If they were acting, it meant the danger was real.

He sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair. "This is going to get ugly."

He finished his drink in one gulp and stood up. He'd heard enough.

Xander didn't return to headquarters immediately. Instead, he decided to stay in the city a little longer, walking the lantern- and torch-lit streets. There was a strange air of unease in Orario. It wasn't just his imagination.

The adventurers who normally laughed carefree in the taverns now spoke in whispers. City Guard patrols seemed more frequent, and some merchants were closing their stalls earlier than usual.

His steps led him to one of the main shopping avenues, where there was still some activity. However, what caught his attention was a small group of adventurers arguing near a weapons post.

"…disappeared without a trace."

"It can't just be a robbery. They left the store intact."

Xander paused long enough to catch part of the conversation. Someone had disappeared. It wasn't unusual in a city like Orario, but the way they said it, with nervousness and tension, made him pay attention.

He continued forward, his gaze wandering through the shadows of the alleys. Something was brewing in the city. Evilus wasn't just a group of criminals. They were fanatics, people willing to plunge everything into chaos in order to achieve their goals.

After a while, he stopped in one of the less crowded squares. He looked at the city lights and meditated.

If Evilus was moving again, he couldn't just stand idly by. But he couldn't rush in blindly either.

Maybe I should talk to Hermes. Or better yet, someone from the Astrea Familia.

But before making a decision, he had to make sure his own Familia was ready for what was coming.

He turned around and started walking back. This time, it was time to return to headquarters.

It didn't take long for him to arrive. Night had fallen, and the Xander Familia headquarters looked quiet, lit only by a few oil lamps. However, as soon as he opened the door, he felt the tension in the air.

Veldrin sat in a chair, cleaning his weapons with a serious expression. Lili stood in a corner, checking her equipment with a frown. Cassandra, on the other hand, remained silent, staring into a candle flame with a worried expression.

Xander closed the door behind him. "Something happened?"

Veldrin didn't look up. "You tell me. Something about the city feels... strange."

Lili nodded. "Lili noticed it too. There are fewer people outside than usual. As if they all know something we don't."

Xander crossed his arms. "It's because something's about to start."

At that moment, the sound that changed the night echoed in the distance.

Boom.

An explosion.

Then another.

And another.

Xander turned to the window and watched as the sky of Orario lit up with flames. The orange and red glow spread across several parts of the city, accompanied by screams that broke the silence of the night.

The attack had begun.

Veldrin was already on his feet, his glaives ready. "Shall we move?"

Xander took a deep breath. They didn't have all the information, but sitting still wasn't an option.

"Come on."

They left the headquarters in a matter of seconds, finding Orario in chaos. From their position, they could see several columns of smoke rising into the sky in the distance. Hooded figures ran through the streets, and on several corners, adventurers and soldiers tried to contain the surprise attack.

Lili swallowed. "This is worse than Lili imagined…"

Cassandra squeezed her eyes shut. "So much screaming…"

Xander placed a hand on her shoulder. "Focus. Just think about what's in front of you."

She nodded, though her expression remained tense.

Veldrin turned to him. "Which way?"

Xander looked around, assessing the situation.

The first step was clear: find allies and understand the scope of the attack.

With a gesture, he indicated the nearest direction where the fire was devouring the streets.

"Let's go to battle."

The streets of Orario were a living hell. Explosions continued in different parts of the city, and the orange glow of the fire colored the buildings and the shadows that ran between them.

Xander moved forward with the group, but he knew his role in this wasn't that of a warrior. He didn't have Veldrin's strength or Lili's agility. If he fell in combat, he wouldn't just be a loss to his Familia, but a burden.

That's why he stayed behind, observing, analyzing.

Veldrin was the first to open the way. His glaives cut through the air with precision, each movement bringing down another enemy. His expression was cold and focused, but his gaze held a suppressed fury.

Lili, at his side, used her agility to move between the attackers, firing her crossbow and using a dagger to finish off the stragglers.

Cassandra, though not an aggressive combatant, remained vigilant, relying on her spells to defend herself and Xander.

Xander noticed that, unlike the others, Cassandra looked tense about more than just the fight. Her hands were shaking slightly, and though she didn't say anything, her worried expression was evident.

But the battle had no clear front.

Evilus attacked from all sides, with small groups scattered across different districts. They moved quickly, starting more fires, killing anyone who got in their way, and creating chaos.

And that complicated things.

Veldrin stopped his advance for a moment, observing the panorama.

"This is not a normal attack."

Xander nodded. "They're attacking in a scattered fashion… They're not trying to control an area. They're just trying to spread fear."

Lili frowned. "That means Lili and the others can't just find a single group and wipe them out. This is too big." "Exact."

Before they could decide their next move, another explosion rocked the ground near them. The four instinctively took cover as debris flew.

As the smoke cleared, Xander saw something that made him tense.

A group of citizens were trapped between a burning building and several Evilus members advancing towards them with cruel smiles.

There was no doubt.

They couldn't stay still.

Xander looked at Veldrin and the girls.

"Do your thing."

The elf needed no further instructions.

With a swift movement, he launched an attack.

Flames crackled around them, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. The sound of steel clashing against steel, the screams of the wounded, and the chaos of battle filled the air.

Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra were already in the middle of the fight, facing off against Evilus' followers who were threatening the trapped citizens.

Xander watched from behind, staying alert but not intervening. He knew his place in these kinds of situations.

But then he saw them.

In the distance, through the smoke and confusion, he saw a group of figures approaching rapidly. Their white and blue robes were unmistakable.

The Astrea Familia.

They were like a ray of light in the midst of chaos. Their presence meant that the balance of the battle was about to shift.

Kaguya led the way, her katana drawn and a fierce look on her face. Beside her, Alise advanced with a smile filled with excitement, ready to throw herself into combat. Lyra and the others followed close behind, each with their own determination reflected on their faces.

Xander felt a slight relief at seeing them.

But then, something changed.

A chill ran down his spine.

He didn't have time to turn around when he felt the movement behind him.

A member of Evilus, wrapped in dark rags, lunged at him with a dagger in his hand, aiming directly at his neck.

Xander wasn't an adventurer. He didn't have superhuman reflexes or the speed of a trained warrior.

But there was something else.

An instinct that the god should not possess.

His body moved before his mind could process it.

He leaned to the side at the last moment, the dagger skimming across his cheek, and in one fluid motion, caught the attacker's wrist with a precision that surprised even Evilus's follower.

Xander didn't have Veldrin's strength.

But he had something better.

His connection to his domain, to the very concept of heroes, allowed him to understand their movements, to feel their techniques as if they had always been a part of him.

His hand slid down the enemy's arm with a firm grip, twisting it in a lock that caused the dagger to fall to the ground with a metallic sound.

Evilus's follower tried to break free, but Xander had already moved his foot, catching the back of his knee and causing him to fall to his knees.

In an instant, the threat was gone.

The enemy gasped, surprised.

Xander looked at him coldly, not needing to say a single word.

And then, with the same calm with which he had dominated him, he hit him on the head with his fist, knocking him unconscious.

The body fell to the ground without further ado.

Xander let out a sigh and looked at his hand.

He wasn't shaking.

I wasn't scared.

I had just… reacted.

Not with force. Not with speed.

But with experience. An experience that wasn't his own, but it was experience nonetheless.

The battle still raged around him, but for now, he had emerged unscathed.

Alise was quick to notice what had happened.

Amid the confusion of combat, her eyes fell on Xander and the unconscious body of Evilus's follower at his feet. Concern immediately crossed her face.

"Xander!" she called, running toward him without hesitation.

Around them, the Astrea Familia was already deep in battle. Kaguya slashed at her enemies with ruthless precision, Lyra nimbly slid through them, and the others fought with impeccable coordination. But Alise, at that moment, had her attention completely on Xander.

She stopped right in front of him, her gaze scanning his body for injuries.

"Are you okay?" She asked, her voice more serious than usual.

Xander raised an eyebrow, surprised by the concern in her tone.

"I'm unharmed," he replied with a half smile. "Though I appreciate the concern, Alise."

She crossed her arms and looked at him with a mixture of relief and irritation.

"It's no joke, Xander. You're not an adventurer. If you'd been hurt…"

"I know," Xander interrupted, his tone still relaxed, but with a more serious tone. "Trust me, I know."

Alise sighed and shook her head.

"You're lucky that guy wasn't a more competent assassin."

Xander looked at the unconscious body on the floor and shrugged.

"Or maybe he was just unlucky that I learned a thing or two over time."

Alise blinked, surprised by the confidence in his voice.

"Learned?"

Xander didn't respond immediately. In his mind, the movements he'd just executed still seemed foreign and familiar at the same time. It wasn't something he'd practiced… but it was something he understood.

Something that was part of him.

"Let's just say that, although I can't fight like an adventurer, I have other methods to defend myself," he finally said.

Alise stared at him, as if trying to decipher his words.

But before he could respond, a new burst of shouts and clashing of weapons claimed his attention.

The fight was not over yet.

Alise sighed, resigning herself to leaving the conversation for later.

"Fine, but stay out of danger," she said, pointing a finger at him. "I don't want to have to explain to Veldrin or Lili that I let their god get stabbed in the middle of the street."

Xander smiled.

"Calm down, Alise. I know when to step back."

She looked at him for a moment longer, then nodded and drew her sword again.

"We'll make sure these bastards never try this again," she said before turning and returning to the fray.

Xander watched her for a moment before looking back at the battle.

The Astrea Familia was taking control of the situation. Evilus was still fighting, but the arrival of the more experienced adventurers was tipping the balance.

Around them, the city still burned with the chaos of the attack.

But at least, in this corner of Orario, the battle was turning.

Xander watched the battle unfold around him, with the Astrea Familia gaining ground against Evilus's followers. It wasn't an easy fight, but Alise and the others' experience and coordination gave them a clear advantage.

Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra were no slouch either. Xander watched them move efficiently through the enemies: Veldrin advancing with his fluid and lethal combat style, slashing with his glaives in precise arcs, while Lili used her size and agility to launch quick and accurate attacks. Cassandra, while lacking the same martial prowess, kept to the rear, using her wits to avoid attacks and provide strategic support.

The flames lit up the scene, casting chaotic shadows across the destroyed buildings and streets. In the distance, the screams and roar of battle indicated that Evilus's attack was not limited to this area alone.

But here, at least, the fight was reaching its climax.

Xander looked away from his allies and down at the unconscious body of Evilus's follower at his feet. He had no intention of killing him, but he also couldn't allow him to get up and attack again.

He bent down and, with a precise gesture, kicked the fallen dagger out of the man's reach. Then, without much ceremony, he used his foot to turn him around and make sure he wasn't carrying a concealed weapon.

Satisfied, he straightened his posture and exhaled slowly.

"Xander."

He turned around to find Kaguya approaching, sword in hand, her expression a mixture of curiosity and mild annoyance.

"What you did… wasn't just luck, was it?"

Xander smiled.

"Are you telling me you expected me to get stabbed?"

Kaguya rolled her eyes.

"I don't underestimate a god so easily. But I also didn't expect to see you disarming an assassin so casually."

Xander shrugged.

"I have my ways."

She looked at him for a moment, then smiled with amusement. "If you weren't a god, I'd almost think you had experience in this."

"Almost," Xander replied, maintaining his enigmatic tone.

Before Kaguya could insist, a loud bang made them turn their heads.

Up ahead, Alise had just knocked down an enemy with a brutal blow, making it clear that the fight was coming to an end. Evilus's remaining followers were retreating, some fleeing into the shadows as the Astrea Familia adventurers pursued or finished them off.

"It's almost done," Kaguya said, watching the scene.

Xander nodded, but he wasn't entirely convinced.

This had been just the beginning.

I knew Evilus wouldn't attack without a bigger plan.

I knew this was nothing more than a distraction.

The real question was: why?

Xander frowned, noticing something odd. The Astrea Familia was here, yes… but someone was missing.

"Where's Ryuu?" he asked, scanning the adventurers.

Alise let out a sigh, as if she had been expecting the question.

"She went after one of Evilus's men," she replied, with the tone of someone who had already tried unsuccessfully to stop her.

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Alone?"

Kaguya clicked her tongue. "That bastard provoked her. It wasn't difficult, really. He said a few words about the massacre, and Ryuu took off after him." Xander felt a bad feeling at once.

"And you just let her go like that?"

Alise crossed her arms. "Hey! We tried to stop her, but when Ryuu gets like that, you know how she is. 

She wouldn't listen to us."

"Besides," Kaguya added, "it's not like she can't take care of herself."

Xander looked in the direction Ryuu had gone, sensing that things might get complicated. He didn't doubt his strength, but this wasn't just a personal hunt. Evilus wouldn't put up a fight unless he had a purpose.

And if that guy went to the trouble of provoking her, there must have been a reason behind it.

Xander let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. The situation was worrying, but there wasn't much he could do at the moment. Ryuu was stubborn and fast; trying to catch her now would be futile.

He looked around. The battle in this area had ended. The bodies of Evilus members lay scattered, some dead, others unconscious. The Astrea Familia and the other adventurers were beginning to regroup, tending to the wounded and ensuring there were no more immediate threats.

Alise relaxed her posture slightly and looked at the mess around her. "Looks like that's it for today."

Kaguya snorted. "If they don't try something crazy again in a few hours."

Xander nodded, though his gaze kept wandering in the direction Ryuu had disappeared.

Lili, Veldrin, and Cassandra also approached. Lili had bloodstains on her clothes, but her expression was steadfast. Cassandra was exhausted, but in better condition than expected. Veldrin, as always, seemed to have emerged from the battle unscathed or nearly so.

"What shall we do now?" Veldrin asked.

Xander crossed his arms. "Go back to headquarters and get ready. I don't think this was more than the first step."

The air still smelled of blood and ashes, and although the city was beginning to calm down, a latent unease lingered in the air. This wasn't over.

…

The second day of the attack began with an eerie calm.

Xander sat in his Familia's headquarters, mentally replaying the previous day's events. Evilus had attacked in force, but the Orario Familias had responded, and although the enemy had retreated, it was clear that this wasn't over. Ryuu hadn't returned until late at night, visibly shaken but offering no explanation.

Now, with the sun barely rising over the horizon, screams began to spread across the city again. Evilus had taken hostages in the Commercial District.

Veldrin quickly entered the main hall. "Did you hear that?"

Xander nodded. "Yes. The Astrea Familia and Hermes are already on the move."

Lili appeared behind him, looking worried. "What are we going to do?"

Xander didn't respond immediately. Evilus hadn't attacked randomly. This was a deliberate plan. Capturing hostages in one of the busiest areas of the city meant they were looking to sow fear and force a response from the powerful Families. The question was: intervene or not?

"If we go, we risk this being a trap," Xander muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.

Veldrin clenched his fists. "But if we don't do anything, innocent people will die."

Xander closed his eyes for a moment, making a decision. "Let's observe first. If the situation allows, we'll help."

With that, the Xander Familia set off.

The Commercial District was in chaos. Several adventurers surrounded the area, assessing the situation while Evilus members held the civilians as human shields.

Xander and Veldrin stood on a nearby rooftop to get a better view. The Astrea Familia was at the front, with Alise trying to negotiate, while Asfi of the Hermes Familia analyzed the situation coldly.

"Damn it…" Veldrin growled through gritted teeth. "They're using us. They know we can't attack without putting the hostages at risk."

Xander didn't respond immediately. His attention was diverted when he noticed a figure moving in the shadows.

It was Ryuu.

She slipped between the buildings stealthily, clearly looking for a way to act without waiting for her companions' orders. But before she could move, someone else entered the scene.

Valletta Grede.

The Evilus woman walked arrogantly, looking straight at Ryuu with a mocking smile.

"You look like you're eager for a fight, elf." Xander and Veldrin exchanged glances.

"This isn't good," Xander muttered.

Valletta didn't seem interested in the hostage situation. She'd come to provoke Ryuu. But why?

Xander frowned. There was something strange about all this.

And then, as if fate wanted to add another piece to the board, he felt a different presence in the air.

He was not a common adventurer or assassin of Evilus.

Xander turned his head toward an old stone building, where a nearly intact church stood amidst the wreckage. Standing in the doorway, observing everything with a serene expression, was a man.

Erebus.

Xander didn't know him, but something about him disturbed him deeply.

Ryuu noticed it too, and for a moment seemed to hesitate.

Erebos smiled.

"Tell me, child of Astrea… what is justice to you?"

Xander felt a chill. This man wasn't like the others.

And that meant Evilus had even more surprises in store.

Ryuu didn't respond immediately. His normally rigid, combat-ready posture seemed to waver for a moment.

Xander watched her from the rooftop, frowning. Valletta Grede was still taunting her, but now Erebos had joined in, and that changed everything.

Veldrin leaned forward slightly. "Who's that?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted. "But his presence is… it's a god."

Valletta, bored by Ryuu's lack of response, clicked her tongue. "Come on, little vigilante. Don't play hard to get."

Ryuu clenched his fists. "I'm not going to fall for your games."

Valletta smiled. "No? Then why is your hand shaking?"

Xander saw it. A slight tremor in Ryuu's hand, almost imperceptible.

Erebos took a step closer. "Tell me, Ryuu Lion, when this is all over, will you still believe in justice? Or will you discover it was just a convenient lie?"

Xander had a bad feeling. This wasn't just a physical confrontation. Evilus was trying to break Ryuu mentally.

But before he could say anything, Ryuu moved.

He disappeared in a flash of speed, striking Valletta first. The assassin barely had time to raise her dagger to block the blow. The force of the impact forced her back several steps.

Veldrin stood up. "She's going to fight alone!"

Xander stopped him with a gesture. "It's what Evilus wants. If we intervene without understanding his game, we could make the situation worse."

Valletta laughed. "That's it! That's what I wanted to see!"

Ryuu didn't respond. Her face was hardened with determination, but Xander could sense something else in her: suppressed fury.

Erebos didn't move. He just watched, as if waiting for something.

Xander gritted his teeth. Something was wrong.

And then he understood.

"It's not a fair fight," he muttered.

Veldrin looked at him strangely. "What?"

Xander pointed at Valletta's position. "She's stalling."

Veldrin frowned. "What for?"

But before Xander could respond, a shout was heard from across the Trade Quarter.

"The hostages!"

Xander felt his blood run cold.

While Ryuu was fighting, another group of Evilus had begun to move the civilians, away from the reach of the Astrea Familia and Hermes.

Xander closed his eyes for a second.

This was the real goal.

Xander felt a chill run down his spine. Ryuu's fight was nothing more than a distraction. Evilus had played his cards well.

Veldrin reacted immediately. "I'm going after them."

Xander nodded, but before he could say anything else, another scream echoed from a nearby street. "Evilus is dividing the hostages!"

That made things even more complicated. If they were taken in different directions, rescuing them all would be nearly impossible.

Xander made a quick decision. "Veldrin, you go get the group heading north. I'll notify the Astrea Familia."

Veldrin wasted no time. He jumped from the rooftop and disappeared into the darkness.

Xander rushed down and ran to where Alise and the others were.

"Evilus is moving the hostages!"

Alise, who was in the middle of a fight with a group of cultists, turned her head toward him. "What?"

"It was a distraction! They're being pulled in several directions. If we don't act now, we'll lose them."

Alise clicked her tongue. "Kaguya, Lyra, split up! We can't let them escape!"

Kaguya was already moving before he finished speaking. "I knew it, you damn bastards." Xander felt a slight relief. The Astrea Familia had experience dealing with these kinds of tactics.

But his relief didn't last long.

From his position, he could still see Ryuu fighting Valletta, but what worried him most was Erebos.

The god of Evilus did nothing. He just watched.

Why?

Xander felt a strange sensation in his chest. Something didn't feel right.

"Why don't you intervene?" he muttered to himself.

But then, he understood.

Because he had already won.

Xander felt the situation slowly unravel. Although the Astrea Familia and Hermes Familia were acting to rescue the hostages, Evilus had the advantage. Not only had they forced them to split up, but they had also sown chaos in the defense strategy.

From his position, Xander could see Ryuu continuing her fight with Valletta. But the real problem was in Erebos.

The god of Evilus stood motionless, a smile on his face, as if everything was going exactly according to his plan.

Xander couldn't do anything about it. Unlike the adventurers, he couldn't engage in combat without risking his life. But still, he had to do something.

He took a step forward, narrowing his eyes as he watched Valletta laugh as she dodged Ryuu's attacks.

"You fight well, kid," the pink-haired woman said. "But you're too angry."

Ryuu didn't respond. He just attacked harder.

Xander looked at Alise, who was still fighting a group of cultists. He couldn't count on her to help Ryuu right now.

Then, he felt it.

A vibration in the ground.

A second later, a loud bang echoed in the distance.

Xander turned his head just in time to see an explosion rock the shopping district.

The fire lit up the night sky.

The screams started immediately.

"Evilus set the buildings on fire!"

Xander felt a pang of frustration. Of course.

It was the final play.

First they divided the hostages, then they wreaked havoc on the city, and now they were setting fire to everything to cover their retreat.

"Damn!"

If the fire spread, the entire business district would be reduced to ashes.

Xander didn't think twice and ran.

He turned to Alise, who was still nearby. "I'm going to help evacuate the civilians."

She nodded quickly. "Do it, but don't take too many risks. We'll finish these bastards off."

Xander ran toward the fire. He knew he couldn't stop it, but he could help get people out before it was too late.

Around them, adventurers and civilians tried to put out the flames with buckets of water. Others simply fled, terrified.

Veldrin appeared at his side, covered in blood and frowning.

"Where are the hostages?" Xander asked.

"I managed to save some, but not all," Veldrin replied, his voice thick with rage. "Evilus used them as bait."

Xander gritted his teeth. There was no time for regrets.

"We have to contain the fire," he said, pointing at the burning buildings. "If it spreads any further, we'll lose the entire neighborhood."

Veldrin nodded, though his expression made it clear he'd rather be killing cultists right now.

Just then, a group of adventurers from the Ganesha Familia came running, carrying barrels of water.

"Let's contain him!" one of them shouted.

Xander stepped aside to let them pass, feeling a slight sense of relief. At least they weren't alone in this.

But then, a scream caught his attention.

"Ryuu fell!"

Xander immediately turned his head.

Ryuu was on the ground, panting.

Valletta loomed over her, a cruel smile on her face.

And Erebus…

Erebus just watched.

Xander felt something inside him tense.

He couldn't intervene in the fight. But he couldn't stay still either.

Just as Valletta raised her dagger to finish Ryuu off, a blade flew through the air and pierced her hand.

The woman clicked her tongue and immediately stepped away.

Xander saw Asfi approaching

"What kind of heroes attack in groups?" Valletta asked with a mocking laugh.

"Those who know it's not worth fighting alone," Asfi replied coldly.

Erebos sighed and turned away. "That's enough for today." Valletta frowned. "Shall we leave?"

Erebos smiled. "Yes. We've already achieved what we wanted."

Valletta burst out laughing and jumped back, disappearing among the rooftops.

Xander frowned.

What did that mean?

But he didn't have time to think about it.

Ryuu got up with difficulty, but his expression was different.

It wasn't just anger. It was doubt.

The fire had been contained, but the damage was done.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Xander looked out over the devastated commercial district. Buildings were reduced to ash, streets littered with debris and the bodies of adventurers and civilians alike. The screams of the wounded mingled with the murmurs of those trying to organize the recovery.

Veldrin leaned on his glaive, still breathing heavily. Lili and Cassandra, exhausted, sat in a corner, trying to catch their breath.

Ryuu stood apart, silent.

Alise and Kaguya monitored the area, making sure no Evilus members were left hidden in the rubble.

Xander closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

They had won this battle, but not the war.

Evilus had retreated, yes. But they hadn't been defeated. They had achieved what they wanted: chaos, destruction… and something more.

The attack had had a purpose beyond the obvious.

Xander looked in Ryuu's direction.

Erebos had challenged her, but not with violence. He had used words. He had played with her mind.

And that worried Xander more than any explosion or confrontation.

He approached Veldrin and patted him on the shoulder.

"We have to prepare for what's next." The elf nodded, his face hardened by battle.

Evilus first major attack was over.

But this was not the end.

It was just the beginning.