Chapter 3:Ambush in broad daylight (1)

The forest road had been silent for hours with the sun haven since risen, the only sounds the steady creak of carriage wheels and the occasional call of a distant hawk.

The carriage wheels creaked rhythmically against the worn dirt path as dusk settled over the forest, painting the world in hues of molten gold and deepening violet.

Inside the cabin, Nicholas turned a page of his weathered grimoire with methodical precision, his grey eyes scanning the text without flicker of interest, the faint glow of dusk casting long shadows across the arcane symbols.

Across from him, Lucien balanced his favorite dagger on one fingertip, the polished steel catching the fading light with each lazy rotation, his restless fingers tracing the edge with absent boredom.

Julien leaned against the window frame, his gaze watching the ancient oaks blur past with quiet contentment

Then—a sharp whistle pierced the air.

The carriage jerked to a halt, outside, gruff voices barked orders. 

Lucien's smirk widened. "Oh, this should be fun." 

A bandit, scarred and grinning, yanked open the door. "Out, little lords. Hand over your coin, and maybe we won't—" 

Nicholas sighed in exasperation, turning a page of his weathered grimoire "Of all things which could happen?" 

Julien tilted his head. "Less violence please" 

Lucien's smiled slightly "It just goes to show we are the protagonist of this story right...hehe" 

Lucien didn't even bother to rise from his seat, a blur of crimson steel flashed—once, twice—and the two men closest to him staggered back, their weapons clattering to the dirt before their fingers realized they'd been severed. One bandit lunged, wild-eyed, only to meet the ground with a thud,

Lucien's boot crushing his windpipe. " Pathetic" he murmured, the word dripping with boredom. 

Nicholas hadn't moved either, he turned a page of his book, then snapped his fingers, a translucent dome shimmered into existence around him just as arrows streaked through the air—only to ricochet harmlessly aside.

The archer in the trees gaped. "What the—?"

Julien sighed, rubbing his temple. "Gentlemen, let's be reasonable. You really should leave before this escalates."

He spread his hands in a placating gesture. "My brothers aren't as patient as I—"

A bandit swung at him. Julien sidestepped without breaking stride, caught the man's wrist, and twisted.

Bones cracked, the bandit howled. "Ah," Julien said, releasing him as he crumpled. "Never mind, then."

Within minutes, the road was a graveyard of groaning men. 

--- 

Lucien flicked blood from his blade, then wiped it clean on a bandit's sleeve.

"Disappointing." His scarlet eyes scanned the trees, as if hoping for another wave but was disappointed when none was found

As the carriage rolled onward, Julien glanced back at the unconscious bandits. "It's your turn to handle the cleanup, Nick."

Nicholas didn't look up from his book. A beat passed, then another. 

Lucien cracked his knuckles, grinning. "No need to bother him. I'll do it."

Crimson flame erupted from his palm, twisting through the air like a living thing.

It engulfed the bandits in a single, ravenous breath—reducing flesh and bone to ash in seconds

As Lucien's flame erupted, the driver—the grizzled man with a leathered skin—went utterly still.

His knuckles whitened around the reins, but he didn't scream, he didn't' even breath.

The fire reflected in his wide, unblinking eyes, painting his face in flickering crimson as it consumed the bandits in seconds.

The heat licked at the air, close enough to singe his beard, but he didn't flinch. 

When the flames died, only ashes remained. 

Julien offered him a hand up, but the driver hesitated, his throat bobbing as if forcing down bile. "I—" His voice cracked.

He swallowed hard, then bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the dirt.

"This humble one thanks the Aetherians. For your mercy. For your… justice."The words trembled, but he held his posture, shoulders rigid. 

Lucien chuckled, leaning in. "Mercy?" His grin was all teeth. "We didn't do it for you."

The driver flinched but didn't dare straighten. "Even so," he whispered

"this one is indebted. The roads are… unforgiving. Men like them would've left my bones for the crows.

"His fingers dug into his thighs, steadying himself. "If there's any service—any at all—"

Julien cut in gently, "Just get us to Veythos."

The driver nodded jerkily, scrambling back onto the carriage bench.

His hands shook as he took the reins, but his voice was steady when he muttered, "As the Aetherians command."

Nicholas, still reading, flicked his fingers, the ashes scattered on the wind, erasing the last trace of the bandits. 

The driver didn't look back.

Ahead, the path stretched into the unknown—but the trio moved forward without hesitation, as if the world itself would bend to their will. 

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The journey had taken four grueling days, even with the aid of the carriage, the boys camped each night under the open sky, carefully rationing the supplies they'd brought from home—dried meat, hard bread, and a few precious strips of cheese. By now, their packs were lighter, their muscles sore, but the promise of the spectacular scenery of Veythos kept them moving. 

As the sun crept over the horizon, painting the sky in pale gold, the boys trudged along the dusty road.

The city wasn't far now—perhaps a few more days. Smoke from morning hearths curled in the distance, and the faint hum of civilization teased their ears, if they pushed on, they'd reach the ciry by midday. 

The sudden clatter of approaching hooves broke the stillness. 

A second carriage—sleek, silver-rimmed, pulled by a pair of midnight-black stallions—drew alongside theirs for the past couple of hours

It was sleek, polished ebony with silver filigree—too fine for a common traveler, through the opposite window, two girls sat rigidly, their expressions tight with tension. The first had raven-black hair that fell in a straight cascade, her amber eyes sharp as a honed blade. The second was all ice and porcelain, her silver-white braid draped over one shoulder, her lips pressed into a thin line. 

Through the opposite window, their slightly obscured visage could be seen. 

Lucien's mouth curled into a smile. "Looks like we've got company." 

Nicholas didn't glance up. "Hmm." 

Julien offered a polite nod, which the silver-haired girl returned with the barest incline of her chin— 

As so they traveled in silence, with the city walls some miles away when all of a sudden

BOOM!!!!

The explosion tore through the world with a deafening roar.