INTO THE FLAMES : MARCH TOWARD DEMON SITE

The night before had been intense. The battlefield of the training ground still echoed faint memories of Arslan's new technique—Shadow Stride. Yet the rush of mastering something powerful was tempered by a quiet voice in his mind.

Kar'Thael whispered in his usual half-humorous, half-cautioning tone.

> Kar'Thael: "Shadow Stride... impressive, isn't it? But it comes with a cost, Arslan. Energy, stamina... more than anything you've used before. Use it when it matters. Use it wisely."

Arslan nodded to himself, committing the warning to memory.

Morning - Beneath the Rising Sun

The sun had barely risen above the rooftops of the Mythic Base. The courtyard buzzed with light conversation and soft laughter. Birds chirped around the terrace garden, and the scent of baked grain and herbs filled the air.

Arslan sat with the others for breakfast, though his thoughts were already racing toward what was to come. After eating, he stood and quietly walked toward the stables.

The air was cool and crisp. Dew still clung to the tall grass bordering the path to the paddock. There, waiting patiently, stood Aswad — the majestic black stallion gifted from the Royal Stables. Its coat shimmered like polished onyx, and its long mane danced in the morning breeze.

Arslan approached with a smile, holding a satchel of grains. The horse lifted its head and huffed softly.

> Arslan: (stroking his neck gently) "Today will be our first journey together, my friend. Prepare yourself. I don't know what lies inside that site, but I'll count on you."

Aswad responded with a proud whinny and playfully bumped his head against Arslan's chest. He laughed, then gently placed the grains in the feed trough.

On the Gate of Mythic Base

A call echoed through the base's inner gates.

> Guard Captain: "Assemble at the main gate! Team for Iron Site departure, gather now!"

Arslan secured his saddle on Aswad and made his way through the base. At the gate stood the rest of the assigned team:

Kaelen of Obreth, a veteran Zenith known for his raw strength and control over storm-bound energies.

Rohi, a quiet and observant Zenith who wielded illusion and perception magic.

Thorne Zevak, a muscular Knight from Apex with earth-bending combat precision.

Raskor Vendel, a young but fiercely tactical swordsman.

Zayan Taelrin, the Apex commander who had earned deep respect across all bases.

A handful of heavily armored guards accompanied them.

Behind them stood the remaining Mythic teammates, watching from the upper levels of the training towers.

Tharion Vale, cracking his knuckles with eager anticipation.

Seris Vahla, adjusting her toxin blades strapped to her thighs.

Yuna Solthrae, calm as ever, with her healer's pouch glowing faintly.

Orien Dravell, quiet and thoughtful, fingers tingling with Soulflash energy.

> Seris: (grinning) "Try not to burn the forest this time, Arslan."

> Vaelith: "Good luck. We'll be waiting for a full report."

> Nirela: (softly) "Come back safe... and win that challenge."

Arslan chuckled and mounted Aswad with a firm yet graceful motion.

> Arslan: (patting Aswad) "Best of luck, my buddy."

The group set off, the sound of hooves striking stone and dirt blending with the morning calls of distant wildlife.

On the Road - Toward the Site

The route took them through Rowan Village, a small settlement with waving farmers and flower-decked fences. Children ran alongside for a while, cheering at the sight of the polished armor and glistening weapons.

Beyond the village, the road curved through thick woods, where birds cawed and the trees rustled like whispering watchers. As the foliage cleared, the ground sloped upward toward the Iron Mine Ridge where the Demon Site had emerged.

A sulfuric haze tinged the air. Cracked stones and ember-glowing moss lined the entrance.

> Zayan: (grim tone) "Yesterday, there was red smoke. Now it's... yellow-orange."

> Kaelen: (studying the air) "It changes. That means the energy inside adapts or shifts. We must be extremely careful."

> Arslan: (narrowing his eyes) "It might hold more curse today. Be prepared."

> Tharion: (scoffing, confidently) "Whatever danger it holds, we fight together."

> Arslan: (turning to Kaelen) "I want to see how you fight."

> Kaelen: (grinning) "And I want to see something new from you. Let's see who racks up more kills."

> Arslan: (smirking) "Challenge accepted."

They tethered their mounts to nearby trees. Aswad nudged Arslan, as if to say "be careful."

He gave the stallion a reassuring pat and turned toward the glowing mouth of the demon site.

-------------JUST BEFORE ENTRY -------------

Kaelen stepped beside Arslan, adjusting his gloves.

"We might be the strongest squad they've ever assembled for a site entry. But still… don't let your guard down."

Arslan nodded.

"Today's not about rank. It's about survival and teamwork. Let's remember that."

Tharion, with a grin:

"What happened to the kill-count challenge?"

Arslan smirked.

"Still on—but we survive first."

Rohi, coldly:

"Good. Stay sharp. We move in 60 seconds."

As the sun reached its zenith, casting long shadows over the site's jagged mouth, the team gathered at the entrance.

Silence fell.

The air felt thick… unnatural. A faint hum buzzed beneath the soil, as though the world itself feared what lay ahead.

Arslan looked toward the others, then to Kaelen.

Both nodded.

Arslan's voice broke the silence.

"Let's go."