Episode 17: Shadows from the void.

Campfire Revelations

The campfire crackled, its flames dancing in the night, casting flickering shadows across the faces of the group. Laughter filled the air as they teased one another, their voices light with camaraderie. The warmth of the fire contrasted with the cool night, creating a rare sense of peace amidst the chaos they had endured. Yet, despite the playful atmosphere, there was an underlying tension. They all knew the world they lived in was one of constant danger.

Zoick broke the moment, his tone suddenly serious as he turned toward Rakhad. "Hey, Rakhad, when we first met, you mentioned a name… Kyoden. What is that? I've never heard of it."

Rakhad's expression shifted, a brief shadow crossing his face. "Kyoden… is my home planet. Or rather, it was. It was destroyed by a brutal attack from demons and monsters. My parents… they told me to run, to survive. I fled with some of my people, but we were hunted relentlessly. One by one, I lost them all. Just when I thought I was going to die, Master Eldrin found me. He saved me, and I owe him everything."

Zoick, absorbing Rakhad's words, gave a solemn nod. "I see… But why are you here? Why leave all that behind?"

Rakhad's eyes grew hard, filled with quiet determination. "I swore to Master Eldrin that I would help him. I would learn and grow stronger, to one day face the demons who destroyed everything I knew. I'm here because of that promise." Then tell me,what about you zoick.

Zoick's Story

Zoick shifted uncomfortably but then gave a wry smile. "I don't have the tragic past you do. My father started a space center. He gathered vast knowledge from across the universe. As I grew, a new student arrived… and the rivalry began. The power I sought, I found it in a spell. It reborn me, changed me. And from there, everything I knew was altered."

Rakhad's eyes glinted knowingly. "That's why you speak with that tone of superiority, huh?"

The group chuckled at Rakhad's remark, the mood momentarily lifting. But then Earian, her expression curious, turned toward Sang. "What about you, Sang? What's your story?"

Sang's Story

Sang's face darkened, his gaze distant as if the question had taken him to a place he wished to forget. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. "My story? I'm just an orphan. I never knew love, never knew affection. There was no one to share my thoughts with. No one to lean on. Every day at home felt like hell. I worked in labour works for livelihood as a kid, watching everyone else live the life I wished for, feeling like I was nothing. The world saw me as weak. I wasn't important. I saw kids playing with their parents, laughing, and I wondered why I couldn't have that. But then, one day… I got this power. I used the spell Zoick mentioned to break the window, to make the power disappear. But I didn't change anything. I was still mocked, still alone."

Sang's voice faltered as his eyes met theirs, a quiet pain in his gaze. "But now, I've got you guys. You all care about me. And that… means more than I ever thought possible."

A silence fell over them, the depth of Sang's words sinking into the group's hearts. Eldrin, his tone warm yet steady, spoke next. "Don't worry, Sang. We're always here for you."

Zoick grinned, his usual playful demeanor returning. "Yeah, buddy. You're not alone anymore."

Rakhad, though stoic, gave a rare, soft smile. "You're one of us now, Sang."

Earian's Past

Earian, still smiling, leaned forward, his gaze intense. "But what about you, Earian? What brought you here for training?"

Earian straightened, his eyes hardening as he spoke, the weight of his words reflecting in the firelight. "I'm from Zius—my home planet. It's known as the Dominion of Kings, though I don't know why it has that name. Growing up, we didn't know demons or monsters. We thought we were safe. But one day, a powerful monster appeared. He seized our planet and began ruling with an iron fist. He killed anyone who opposed him, calling them out to duel, crushing them into the ground. Worse still, he tormented our women, abusing them however he pleased. We couldn't do anything. We lost nearly thirty of our best fighters. That's why I came here. I'm training to defeat him and take back our home".

When I told my story to eldrin and Rakhad nodded to help me , and his friends also nodded to help me . I am always glad to them.

Zoick clapped a hand on Earian's shoulder, his face sincere for once. "Count me in. We're with you, Earian."

Sang nodded, his eyes firm with determination. "We'll help you. Right, Zoick?"

Zoick nodded, his usual smirk replaced by a more genuine look. "Of course. When's the duel?"

Earian's eyes burned with excitement. "In one day."

Sang's heart sank. "One day?" he echoed, disbelief lacing his words.

Rakhad's Question

Rakhad turned to Eldrin, his voice carrying a heavy weight. "Master, what about the others? Rohdan, Upanor, Mohiran, Lohirian, Nero, Selia, Lyra, Azira, Sylin? Are they coming?"

Eldrin, his gaze unwavering, responded calmly. "They'll be at the duel ground. They said they'll come directly."

Rakhad nodded, his mind already preparing for the battle ahead. Sang, still processing the news of Earian's duel, turned to Rakhad with a furrowed brow. "Who are they? The people you mentioned?"

Rakhad's expression softened, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "They're my friends. You'll meet them soon enough."

Sang's eyes widened. "Oh…"

The Rift in the Sky

Just as the conversation began to settle, the air around them shifted. The wind howled, carrying an unnatural chill. Suddenly, a rift tore open the sky—a swirling, jagged portal, its edges crackling with raw energy.

Four dark, monstrous shadows began to emerge from the rift, their forms indistinct but undeniably menacing. A deep, ominous hum vibrated through the ground beneath their feet.

And then, just as quickly as it had begun, everything fell still. The shadows lingered, their forms fully visible, yet their true intent was still a mystery.