Chapter 15: Smoke Over the Forest

The bustling heart of Zareth City welcomed Marcus, Kael, and Lira as they strolled into the United Shield Authority (USA) headquarters. The familiar blend of metallic clinks, hurried footsteps, and muffled conversations surrounded them. They stepped up to the reception counter, where a bespectacled young woman with a crisp uniform greeted them with a professional smile.

"Back from the ruins already?" she asked, her fingers already moving across the console.

Marcus nodded, his expression casual. "Yeah, and it was... eventful."

Kael let out a soft chuckle. "You could say that again. We took down a village of Ice Giants."

Lira leaned forward, her voice filled with energy. "And I awakened Ice Prana!"

The receptionist blinked in surprise but quickly resumed her composure. "Please submit your exploration report. We'll handle the credit conversion."

They recounted their journey through the snowy ruin, detailing the bear-like creatures, the clash with the Ice Giants, and the final showdown with the Ice Giant King. When they mentioned the treasure chest, the receptionist raised a brow.

"We'll verify the record. And I see you've brought the gold and rubies—these will be credited to your accounts shortly."

As she processed the materials, the trio glanced around. Marcus's sharp eyes caught movement at the far end of the hall. The branch manager, clad in his distinct blue coat bearing the USA insignia, marched briskly toward the exit, trailed by a full squadron of elite soldiers. Their armor gleamed, weapons primed, and faces grim.

"What's going on there?" Kael asked, nodding toward the scene.

The receptionist looked up momentarily, then shook her head. "Confidential. I'm sorry, I can't share details with non-USA personnel."

Lira huffed, crossing her arms. "So secretive. I bet it's something big."

Marcus frowned, his curiosity piqued. Another mission? Or maybe a new threat?

"Let's not dwell on it. We've earned our rest," he said, though his mind lingered on the armored unit marching away.

Once they had their credits, the trio exited the USA building and headed into the city. The streets were lively with activity—merchants shouting offers, children running through alleys, and shoppers inspecting wares. Their first stop was a weaponsmith's shop, one Marcus had visited before.

Lira browsed the crossbow bolts carefully, selecting a batch of high-quality, barbed-tipped ones. She smiled at them, pleased.

Kael picked out a new leather quiver and several bundles of arrows—some fitted with broadheads, others with slender, piercing tips designed for armor penetration. He tested the flexibility of a few shafts before nodding in approval.

Marcus lingered at a stall displaying sword oil, whetstones, and cleaning cloths. He carefully selected a full maintenance kit and picked up a new scabbard with reinforced lining. Gotta keep her sharp and deadly, he thought, gently patting the hilt of his sword.

After their purchases, they settled into a cozy restaurant overlooking the main plaza. Steam rose from bowls of spicy broth, grilled meat, and rice. As they ate, conversation flowed easily.

"I need to get used to this Ice Prana," Lira said, stirring her soup absentmindedly. "It's weird but... beautiful."

Marcus nodded. "You've already made a lot of progress. Keep at it."

He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment. My breathing technique... I can feel the edge of the second stage. It's close.

"I've been thinking of some new arrow techniques too," Kael added. "Especially ones that can manipulate the terrain. I need practice."

"Then it's decided," Marcus said, sitting up. "Let's spend the day training. We might be called into action again soon."

They left the restaurant and walked to a nearby training facility. The building had open arenas, dummies, and spell-resistant barriers. Each went their separate way to focus on individual techniques.

Lira practiced channeling Ice Prana into her bolts, trying to freeze targets on impact. She failed a few times, but slowly, a thin layer of frost began to form around the heads.

Kael honed his shot timings and tried combining elemental manipulation mid-flight. He'd fire an Earth Prana arrow and midway, shift it to Wind Prana for a sharper curve.

Marcus meditated for a long while before beginning his sword drills. His movements were slow but precise, each slash radiating a low heat. His breathing deepened until small flames escaped his lips, signaling that he was getting closer to unlocking the second stage.

Later, exhausted and sweating, the three regrouped.

"I think I almost have it," Marcus murmured.

"Me too," Kael said, rolling his shoulder. "Just need more time."

"I froze a dummy!" Lira exclaimed proudly.

After showering and changing into fresh clothes, they made their way to a dinner house near their inn. The mood was light as they laughed and talked about improvements and sparring sessions.

Eventually, sleep called, and they returned to their rooms. Marcus lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. That Ice King's technique... it felt familiar. Was he mimicking me or was it something else?

BOOM.

A deep explosion tore through the still night.

Marcus shot upright, eyes wide. A fiery glow painted the edges of the window.

"What the—?"

He threw off the covers, quickly donned his suit, fastened his sword belt, and threw on his cape. By the time he was at the door, Kael was running down the hallway, bow in hand and arrows on his back.

Lira joined moments later, her crossbow slung over her shoulder.

"You heard that too?" she asked breathlessly.

"It came from the forest outside the city," Marcus said.

They rushed through the dimly lit streets, passing other awakened citizens murmuring in confusion. The city's main gate was in sight when they spotted several USA enforcers moving toward it.

Among them was Officer Dren, one of the staff they had met at the USA center.

"Officer Dren!" Marcus called.

Dren turned, momentarily surprised. "You three again?"

Kael stepped forward. "What happened? That explosion—was it another attack?"

Dren's face turned grim. "We detected strange energy surges in the forest earlier. The branch manager personally led an elite squad to investigate. But we lost contact. Then that explosion happened. We're preparing to mobilize."

"Let us help," Marcus said firmly. "You know we fought in Zareth's defense."

Dren hesitated. "I don't know... this could be serious. Too serious."

Lira stepped beside Marcus. "We're not rookies. I awakened Ice Prana, Kael has new skills, and Marcus is practically a force of nature."

Kael smirked. "We can support your squad or act independently. Whatever helps."

Dren sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright. I'll vouch for you. Stick close and follow commands. This is not an ordinary assignment."

The three exchanged glances and nodded.

As they passed the city gates and entered the darkened forest trail, smoke rising in the distance, a shiver ran down Marcus's spine.

Something is out there... and it's not just another ruin.

He tightened his grip on his sword.

We'll face it together.

They moved into the smoke, unaware that this night would change everything.