Arc: Solar Vanguards
A New Curse?
The explosion shook the earth. Dust swirled through the air, and three silhouettes emerged from the haze of battle. Dzeth took a defensive stance, while Syafi guarded his younger brother from behind. Syiro, slightly startled, gripped her weapon tightly.
From behind the smoke, a figure cloaked in heavy robes and shining golden armor stepped forward. Its aura felt unlike any Paladin they had ever faced before.
"I am a Curse from the Solar Organization…" the figure announced in a deep, resonant voice.
Dzeth clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing with caution. (Solar? Not a Paladin? I thought it was the Paladins who were attacking us…)
The figure stepped closer. "My name is Gogar. I've been sent by my leader to meet with you, Dzeth."
Syafi stepped forward boldly. "What do you want with my little brother?"
"My apologies if my presence is unsettling. But rest assured we side with humanity. We only wish to speak with Dzeth," Gogar replied calmly.
Syiro glanced at Dzeth, uncertainty in her eyes. "Dzeth… are you going with him?"
Dzeth nodded slightly. "Yes."
Syafi frowned. "Then I'm coming too. I won't let you go alone."
"I want to come as well," Syiro added.
Gogar exhaled slowly. "I'm not sure if my leader will approve two extra guests… but very well. Please, step into the portal and assist our leader."
"Assist?" they echoed in unison.
Without hesitation, they stepped into the glowing portal before them.
-
The Solar Organization's Kingdom
As they stepped through the portal, Dzeth, Syafi, and Syiro were awestruck. The world that unfolded before them resembled an ancient empire magnificent white stone buildings, crystal-clear rivers flowing between walkways, and golden gardens glowing beneath the sunlight.
Syafi raised an eyebrow. "This place… feels like a royal age."
Walking beside them, Gogar offered a modest smile. "Apologies if our kingdom appears lacking. We are not as wealthy as the Fortune Organization, the richest organization ever created."
Dzeth asked, "What kind of organization is Solar?"
Gogar responded proudly, "We are a Tank-type organization the most resilient bodies in the world. For thousands of years, our leader has never been wounded. Our endurance is unmatched."
They made their way toward the grand palace. As the enormous doors creaked open, a deep stillness filled the air.
Inside, Curses lived in harmony laughing, trading goods, playing with children a scene no Hunter would ever expect from a cursed realm.
Yet Syafi, still on edge, raised his weapon. "These are all… Curses, aren't they?"
His action caused immediate chaos. Tank guards rushed forward, forming a protective line in front of the palace. Tension filled the air.
"Uhh… hehe, sorry," Syafi muttered, lowering his weapon.
Dzeth and Syiro shook their heads, mildly disappointed. Gogar sighed heavily.
Moments later, calm was restored. Syiro breathed in the peaceful atmosphere. "This place is beautiful…"
"It is," Dzeth replied quietly.
Gogar led them toward the throne room. Along the way, they passed markets, restaurants, entertainment centers, medical facilities, and more signs of a truly thriving kingdom, despite its focus on sheer durability.
Finally, they reached a towering gate adorned with shields and Solar emblems.
The doors opened slowly. Inside, a tall man in radiant gold armor sat proudly on a throne. His aura was calm, yet carried immense pressure.
He gazed at Dzeth. "Are you… Dzeth?"
Dzeth bowed respectfully. "Yes, I am."
The Solar leader rose slightly, studying Dzeth from head to toe. "Are you the one who defeated two Void Paladins, four Crimson Paladins, two Hydro Paladins, and millions of their soldiers?"
Dzeth bowed again. "Yes, I did."
The Solar leader gave a slow, approving smile as he looked at Dzeth.
To be continued…