Talonir sat perched on a high precipice in the rugged Forj mountain ranges. The wind howled around him, yet he remained unmoving, his Feathered Cape draped over his shoulders, its long feathers fluttering in the gale. His eyes were closed, but he was far from asleep. His Arcem, Vayra's Command, and the ability Eagle Eyes were fully activated, granting him an unparalleled view of the battlefield and beyond.
From this vantage point, he could see everything—from Castle Tridon to the edges of Mount Pire, including the remnants of the Dancing Lawn and even portions of the Ford of Beruna, where the great Narn River spilled into its veins. The intricate web of mana and motion within his field of vision was overwhelming to most, but Talonir handled it with practiced calm. His focus was razor-sharp, and his mind was attuned to every detail.
He knew when the clash between Hazëls, Kon and Razik, had begun. He watched the battle unfold with keen interest, noting how Kon was beginning to push Razik back. Yet, something felt… wrong. The battlefield was too quiet in the grand scheme. His instincts screamed at him, warning of something unseen.
"You do realize," Talonir said softly, his voice carried only by the wind, "that even if you can conceal your mana signature and physical appearance, you can't conceal yourself from the future."
At his words, the air shifted unnaturally, and out of what seemed like thin air, a massive figure stepped forward. Snow crunched under enormous feet as an elephant Tracient emerged, his tusks glinting faintly in the pale sunlight. He was adorned with skulls draped over his body, and his weapon—a massive skull-shaped scythe—rested easily in his hand.
The figure bowed slightly, his expression noble yet intimidating. "Forgive me," he rumbled, his deep voice vibrating through the stone. "I should have known it would be impossible to fool a Narn Lord, especially the Lord of the Skies. Your sight is impeccable."
Talonir did not move. His expression remained calm, his piercing eyes opening slowly to fix on the newcomer.
"I assume you're a Child of Shadow?" Talonir asked, his voice even.
The elephant nodded. "Correct. My name is Thragos Fil, and my assignment today is to keep you at bay, Lord Kushan. You will not be backing up your allies, nor will you be summoning reinforcements."
Talonir's gaze flicked to the Hazël symbol etched into Thragos's skin, the rank #12 glowing faintly beneath it.
"Let me see you try then, Titan," Talonir replied, his cape spreading slightly, feathers shimmering with latent mana.
---
The scene shifted to the bustling streets of Valoria. The morning sun bathed the capital of Archen Land in a warm glow, and Daruis strolled through the city with Kopa at his side. The tension in the air was palpable, but the citizens tried to go about their day as if the looming battle weren't on their minds.
"If you keep worrying like that," Kopa said with a smirk, "I might have to relieve you of your office."
That got a rare chuckle out of Daruis. "Oh, you will. And boy, would I be glad about that."
"Your father would turn in his grave if you gave up the mantle that easily," Kopa quipped.
Their laughter echoed through the streets as they turned a corner and spotted Tigrera playing with a group of young Bovines. She was crouched low, her gentle hands brushing through the fur of one of the children as they giggled and swarmed around her.
"Good day, my King. Greetings, Lord Kopa," she said, standing and bowing gracefully.
Daruis inclined his head. "Good day, my lady. It seems the children have taken quite the liking to you."
She smiled warmly. "I love them just as much, my King."
They exchanged pleasantries and briefly discussed the war. Daruis assured her that Kon would be safe and that victory was within their grasp.
As Daruis and Kopa walked away, Kopa glanced at his King. "What do you think of her, my Lord?"
Daruis hesitated, his gaze fixed ahead. "I don't know, to be honest. She seems sweet, trusting, and innocent. But it's strange... Adam sees something different, and that worries me."
Kopa nodded thoughtfully. "Adam has his reasons. And if our suspicions are correct, his words should carry more weight than even Lord Kushan's."
"It's still just speculation, Kopa," Daruis replied, shaking his head. "He hasn't shown any other signs besides the glow in his eyes, which could just as easily come from Kirin or the Arya. It's not necessarily that Arcem."
Their conversation ended as they arrived at Lord Thrax's forest oasis. The elderly turtle Tracient greeted them warmly, addressing them both by name. They sat on large, floating reeds in his tranquil pond, the peaceful ambiance contrasting sharply with the chaos brewing elsewhere.
"Any news on the war, my King?" Thrax asked.
"Yes," Daruis replied. "Kon has engaged Razik. The outcome of their battle could determine the tide of this war. But I trust Kon. He will pull through."
"We hope so," Thrax murmured. "And Lord Adam's troops?"
"They're already on standby for reinforcements," Kopa answered.
---
Far away in the valleys of Mount Pire, Adam and his troops navigated narrow, winding paths. Though they were still some distance from the battlefield, the distant echoes of battle reached their ears.
A Boga Tracient stumbled on loose gravel, nearly tumbling into the abyss below. Adam moved quickly, grabbing the soldier and hauling him back to safety.
"You have to be more careful," Adam said, his tone kind but firm.
The soldier nodded gratefully.
"Is all this really worth it?" another Tracient asked hesitantly. "I mean, Narn has always been under Razik's control for as long as I can remember. Is this war really worth it?"
Murmurs spread through the group, but before Adam could reply, a mountain goat Tracient from the Boga Clan spoke up.
"Our lands were stolen from us. Our people were slaughtered just because some psycho wanted power. If that's not enough to fuel your rage, what is?" His voice was calm but laced with unmistakable anger.
The soldiers nodded in agreement, their murmurs turning to cheers of support. Adam smiled faintly, grateful for the goat's words. As they continued, Adam leaned close to him and whispered, "Thank you."
The goat blushed but said nothing.
As they reached a large clearing surrounded by high cliffs, they found themselves in an eerie field covered with spider webs. The threads stretched across the rocks and trees, glinting faintly in the dim light.
"This is… odd," one soldier remarked, brushing a web aside.
Adam stopped, his instincts prickling. He thought he saw movement at the far end of the clearing, but when the goat urged him forward, he dismissed the feeling and continued through the webs, clearing them as he went.
Yet the unease in his chest remained.