THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

A room cloaked in darkness stretched out before them, the air thick with a foul, suffocating presence. The cracked stone walls oozed with blackened residue, and jagged shadows danced erratically along the surfaces. Broken windows let in streams of pale, sickly light, illuminating shards of shattered glass scattered across the floor.

The place reeked of decay and corruption like the very air had been poisoned by the Rift's influence. Faint whispers echoed from the corners of the room, their voices hollow and distorted. The corrupted races lurking within were barely recognizable as they clung to the shadows, their bodies twisted and scarred by the dark energy that had consumed them.

One creature crouched near the broken window, its glowing, crimson eyes locked on the newcomers. Its body, once humanoid, now warped and hunched, pulsated with Rift energy.

The heavy air seemed to pulse with malice as a figure stepped into the room. His boots crunched over the broken glass, the sound echoing in the oppressive silence. Cloaked in tattered, dark robes that swirled around him like living shadows, his face remained obscured beneath a hood, revealing only sharp, glowing violet eyes a clear sign of Rift influence.

The corrupted creatures shifted uneasily at his presence, sensing both power and danger. He glanced around the room, taking in the twisted forms surrounding him, a cold smirk curling at the edges of his lips.

"Pathetic remnants," he muttered, his voice smooth and laced with venom. "Is this what the Rift has made of you?"

A creature lunged from the darkness, its claws extended desperate for a kill. With a flick of his wrist, the figure summoned dark energy from the shadows, ensnaring the creature mid-air and slamming it into the wall with a sickening crunch.

"Know your place," he said, his voice cold as ice. "You'll serve me, or you'll be consumed like the rest."

The other corrupted beings shrank back, their glowing eyes flickering with something between fear and submission.

The dark figure stepped further into the room, his violet eyes gleaming with a cruel sense of triumph. The corrupted creatures cowered in his presence, recognizing his dominance a creature born not from submission to the Rift but from mastering its corruption.

His tattered robes swirled around him as the power of the Rift pulsed through his veins. The cracks in his skin glowed faintly with the same eerie energy, a reminder of the battle that had nearly destroyed him.

The same battle… with Dylan.

"Soon," he whispered to himself, clenching a fist, dark energy crackling around it. "We'll meet again, Dylan. This time, you won't escape."

His voice echoed in the decaying chamber as the corrupted beings watched in silence, their new master already preparing for the next step in his plan.

As the corrupted human raised his arms, his voice commanding and filled with dark authority.

"I am Kaelen Varyn, Vessel of the Rift," he declared, his violet eyes burning like twin beacons in the gloom. "You are my subjects. From this day forth, you shall bend to the Rift's will, as I have. Together, we will spread its power… and consume everything in our path."

The five guards, each twisted and monstrous in form, stepped forward and knelt before him, their armor warped by the same dark energy that corrupted their souls. They stood tall each one a general in Kaelen's growing army

"Our path begins with the small lands," Kaelen continued, his voice growing darker with every word. "Villages will fall. Cities will crumble. Piece by piece, this world will rot from within, and none will stand in our way."

The corrupted beings roared in response, their cries filling the shattered chamber like a twisted anthem of allegiance.

Kaelen smirked, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Let the world believe it is safe… for now. By the time they realize the threat, it will already be too late."

He turned to his five generals, his tone sharp and decisive. "Prepare the forces. The time to begin our conquest is near."

The generals nodded, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light as they disappeared into the shadows, ready to carry out his will.

Kaelen's smirk faded, his expression darkening as a flicker of rage crossed his face. His fingers curled into fists, crackling with unstable Rift energy.

"The Rift… it granted him power," Kaelen growled, his voice trembling with barely-contained fury. "That wretched boy unworthy, weak and yet, the Rift saw fit to give him even a fragment of its strength?"

The corrupted beings shrank back as the air around Kaelen thickened, the temperature dropping. His violet eyes blazed like fire, his voice rising in fury.

"He defied me. Escaped me. But no more." Kaelen clenched his fist, dark energy surging outward, shaking the walls of the broken chamber. "I will find him. I will tear that power from him and drag him back to the Rift… where he belongs."

His generals exchanged wary glances but remained silent, awaiting their orders. Kaelen pointed toward the shadows, his voice cold and merciless.

"Spread out. Watch the cities, the villages, and the roads. He's out there hiding like a rat. Bring him to me. Alive. His power… will be mine."

The corrupted beings howled in response, their monstrous voices echoing as they vanished into the darkness, ready to begin the hunt.

Kaelen remained in the center of the chamber, his breath slow and steady as he whispered to himself, "The Rift chose me first… and I will take back what is rightfully mine."

His eyes burned with malice, his mind already plotting how to reclaim the power he believed belonged to him and him alone.

Back to the Kingdom Of Desert Ashar 

The king's gaze hardened. "Gather your strength and prepare. This is no longer just a quest for relics. The fate of our world might rest on finding Dylan… and unlocking the secrets of the past."

The group exchanged determined nods, their resolve strengthening with every word.

Baskar stood up, adjusting his cloak. "We'll get going now. If we find any trace of Dylan, we'll send word immediately." He glanced at the group with a grin. "Stay alive, will ya? See you around."

Galland gave a respectful bow. "Goodbye, Your Majesty."

With that, Baskar and Galland turned to leave the hall, their footsteps fading into the corridor as the group watched them go.

Cauis crossed his arms. "Guess it's on us from here."

June nodded, a determined light in her eyes. "Let's finish what we started."

Zahira smiled softly. "We'll prepare for your journey. Rest for now you'll need it."

As they looked around, Cauis furrowed his brow. "Wait… where's Axel?"

June glanced around the hall, her confusion growing. "He was just here a second ago."

Outside the castle, Axel sprinted to catch up with Baskar and Galland, calling out to them. "Hey! Wait up!"

Baskar turned, raising an eyebrow. "Axel? What are you doing?"

Axel stopped, catching his breath. "I want you to train me too." His eyes were fierce with determination. "I saw how you fought that guardian. If I'm going to keep up with everything that's coming, I need to get stronger. Teach me how to fight like you!"

Baskar crossed his arms, studying Axel for a moment. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. "Hmph. You've got guts, I'll give you that. You sure you can handle my kind of training?"

Galland chuckled. "I'd start praying now if I were you."

Axel smirked, his eyes blazing with confidence. "Bring it on."

Baskar clapped him on the back. "Alright then, kid. Let's see what you're made of. But don't come crying when you regret this!"

As the group wandered through the castle searching for Axel, they heard voices coming from outside. When they stepped out, they saw Axel walking off with Baskar and Galland.

Cauis cupped his hands around his mouth. "Hey! Wait a second!"

Cauis jogged over, eyes blazing with the same determination. "If Axel's getting stronger, there's no way I'm falling behind. Train me too!"

Baskar raised an amused brow. "Oh? You too?" He crossed his arms, grinning. "You realize my training's not for the faint of heart, right? You'll be begging me to stop by the second day."

Cauis smirked. "I'm not backing down. If it'll make me stronger, I'm in."

Galland shook his head with a chuckle. "Looks like we've got a second volunteer for the gauntlet."

June sighed, folding her arms. "You two are insane. But if this is what you need to do, just… try not to break every bone in your bodies, okay?"

Alisan smiled faintly. "We'll be here when you're done. Don't forget why you're getting stronger in the first place."

Baskar grinned wider. "Alright then. Let's see what you've got, Cauis." He clapped him on the back. "You'll regret it soon enough, but hey, no turning back now!"

June and Alisan watched quietly, their expressions dropping slightly at the thought of being separated from their friends.

Suddenly, Baskar vanished from sight reappearing behind June and Alisan in a flash, effortlessly grabbing both by the collars.

"You two aren't off the hook!" Baskar said with a mischievous smirk. "My wife's a grand mage. She'll whip you both into shape!"

"W-Wait, what?!" June struggled, her eyes wide. "We didn't agree to—"

"No excuses!" Baskar laughed. "You wanna survive what's coming, right? You're coming with me. Trust me—you'll thank me later… or not."

Alisan groaned but shot June a resigned glance. "I guess we don't have much of a choice, do we?"

Galland chuckled from the side. "Don't worry. If you survive her training, you'll come out stronger than ever."

Baskar tossed them both lightly forward. "Let's go, mages! The desert's not gonna wait!"

June muttered under her breath. "I have a bad feeling about this…"

Alisan sighed, adjusting her staff. "Yeah, me too."

The group set off, ready to face a new chapter of their journey one filled with tougher trials and unexpected teachers.

As Baskar turned into a quiet alleyway, the group exchanged confused glances. The narrow streets were deserted, the shadows stretching long under the fading sun.

"Come closer," Baskar said, gesturing with a finger.

Cauis raised a brow. "Uh… why are we sneaking around like this?"

"Just trust me," Baskar said with a sly grin. "Galland, you know what to do."

Galland stepped forward, his expression calm as he raised his hands. The air shimmered around him as magic gathered at his fingertips. A glowing sigil formed beneath them, expanding quickly.

"Hold on tight," Galland said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

In an instant, light enveloped the group, and the alley disappeared from view. When the glow faded, they found themselves standing in the middle of a vast, open plain. The scent of fresh grass and wildflowers filled the air, and a gentle breeze swept across the landscape.

In the distance, a cozy-looking house stood atop a small hill. Smoke curled lazily from its chimney, and a garden full of herbs and flowers surrounded it.

Where… are we?" June asked, her voice filled with awe.

"Welcome to our training grounds," Baskar said proudly, spreading his arms. "That house is my home. My wife's waiting for us there."

Galland nodded. "Here, you'll train without any distractions… or witnesses. Perfect for toughening you up."

Cauis whistled. "Looks peaceful enough. But something tells me it's not gonna stay that way for long."

"You've got that right," Baskar said with a chuckle. "Let's head inside. The real fun starts soon."

Without hesitation, Baskar led the way toward the house, the group following close behind ready for whatever challenges awaited them in this mysterious new place.

As they approached the house, the door swung open, and a tall, graceful woman with flowing reddish brown hair stepped outside. Her sharp green eyes swept over the group before landing on Baskar.

"Dear, who are these four?" she asked, crossing her arms with a curious tilt of her head. "Bringing home strays again?"

Baskar's rough exterior softened instantly. "I'm back, Maerith," he said warmly, walking up to her and wrapping her in a gentle embrace. "Missed me?"

Maerith chuckled, patting his chest affectionately. "Always, you big oaf. But you're not answering my question."

He turned and gestured toward the group. "These are the ones I told you about Cauis, June, Alisan, and Axel. They've got potential, but they're rough around the edges. Thought you might help whip them into shape."

Maerith raised a brow, scanning each of them with a discerning eye. "Hmm… potential, you say? I hope they're tougher than they look."

Cauis cleared his throat. "We've been through our share of trouble. We can handle whatever you throw at us."

Maerith smirked. "Oh, I like that confidence. Let's see how long it lasts."

Baskar laughed, squeezing her shoulder. "No, Maerith, you'll be training these two girls," he said, gesturing toward June and Alisan. "They've got great potential as mages. If anyone can bring that out, it's you."

Maerith's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh? Magic, huh?" She walked up to June and Alisan, inspecting them closely. "I can sense it… untapped power. This is going to be fun."

June shifted nervously. "Fun for you, maybe…"

Alisan gave a determined nod. "We're ready. Whatever it takes."

"Good," Maerith said with a mischievous smile. "I'll make sure you learn things no other mage can teach you. By the time I'm done, you'll be stronger than you ever imagined."

Baskar gave Axel and Cauis a calculating glance before nodding toward the door. "You two, outside. Let's spar. I need to see what you're capable of."

Maerith folded her arms, her tone light but firm. "Go easy on them, Baskar. We don't need them limping back in pieces."

Baskar chuckled, waving her off. "Easy? Where's the fun in that?" He turned to Axel and Cauis, his grin widening. "Come on, boys. Show me what you've got."

Axel's eyes lit up with excitement. "Been waiting for this!" he said, cracking his knuckles.

Cauis smirked, stretching his arms. "You better not hold back on us, old man."

The group stepped outside into the open plains. The sky stretched endlessly overhead, and a soft breeze rustled the grass around them. Baskar planted his feet and cracked his neck, adopting a loose but ready stance.

"Both of you, come at me together," he said, gesturing them forward. "Don't be shy."

Axel charged first, his fists a blur as he aimed a flurry of punches at Baskar's midsection. Cauis flanked him, waiting for the right moment to strike. Baskar moved like a seasoned warrior, effortlessly sidestepping Axel's strikes while keeping an eye on Cauis.

"You've got speed," Baskar said, blocking one of Axel's punches with his forearm. "But speed without control isn't enough."

With a quick sweep of his leg, Baskar sent Axel stumbling backward. Cauis saw an opening and lunged, but Baskar grabbed his wrist mid-strike and flipped him to the ground with a single fluid motion.

"Come on!" Baskar's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I know you can do better than that!"

Axel and Cauis exchanged a determined glance as they got back on their feet, refusing to back down. This was no ordinary sparring session it was a trial by fire. And they were just getting started.

Cauis's body lit up with a faint, shimmering glow his Aether flowing through him, enhancing his strength, speed, and reflexes. His movements became sharper, faster, almost too quick for the eye to follow. Beside him, Axel clenched his fists, a surge of mana wrapping around them in a crackling aura. His punches pulsed with raw, explosive energy, ready to detonate on impact.

"Now we're talking!" Baskar's grin widened as he shifted his stance, his muscles tensing with anticipation. "Show me what you're really made of!"

Cauis darted in first, a blur of motion. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to unleash a series of lightning-fast strikes aimed at Baskar's torso. Baskar dodged the first few but raised his arm to block one punch, only to skid back slightly from the force.

"Impressive," Baskar said, his eyes narrowing. "But you're still too predictable!"

Before Cauis could counter, Axel appeared at Baskar's side, his mana-charged fist crashing toward him like a cannonball. Baskar barely twisted out of the way as the punch hit the ground, causing an explosion of dirt and grass to erupt around them.

"That's more like it!" Baskar roared with laughter, dodging another strike. "But hey don't go destroying the terrain! Maerith will have my head if you wreck the place!" He smirked. "Besides, you'll need solid ground when you're flat on your backs."

Cauis and Axel nodded at each other, silently forming a plan. Axel charged straight toward Baskar, unleashing a barrage of explosive punches to keep him occupied, while Cauis circled behind, his Aether-enhanced speed allowing him to strike from an unexpected angle.

Just as Axel landed a punch that forced Baskar back a step, Cauis appeared behind him, aiming a powerful kick at his side.

Baskar caught Cauis's foot with one hand, grinning wildly. "Better... but still not enough!" With a swift motion, he threw Cauis into the air, turning just in time to block Axel's next strike with his forearm.

"You've got power and speed," Baskar said, stepping back to give them space. "But remember raw strength won't always win. You need control, timing, and precision."

Axel wiped sweat from his brow, his breathing heavy but his eyes blazing with determination. "Then teach us."

Cauis cracked his knuckles, his Aether still glowing around him. "We're not stopping until we figure it out."

Baskar folded his arms, nodding approvingly. "Alright. Let's push you both to your limit."

In the blink of an eye, Baskar disappeared and reappeared behind them, his fist stopping just short of Axel's ribs. The sheer force of the wind pressure alone made Axel stumble. "Too slow," Baskar said, his grin widening.

Axel gritted his teeth and launched a barrage of explosive punches, each one leaving a small crater in the ground. Cauis darted in from the side, his speed boosted by Aether, aiming for an opening.

Baskar effortlessly dodged their attacks, his movements too fast and fluid. He countered with a powerful kick that sent a shockwave across the plains, forcing both of them to brace themselves. "You've got strength and speed, but you're still thinking like individuals,"

Baskar said, his voice calm but commanding. "Fight like a team, or you'll never land a hit on me."Cauis and Axel exchanged a determined glance, realizing they needed to adjust their approach. Axel created a distraction with a series of feints, while Cauis circled around for a precise strike from behind

But Baskar was already a step ahead. He parried Axel's punch with ease, then spun and blocked Cauis' strike with his forearm. "Better," he said, nodding, "but not enough once again."

With a burst of energy, Baskar sent them flying back, skidding across the dirt. "Come on! Show me what you've really got!"

As Cauis and Axel showed hints of exhaustion, their breathing heavy, Baskar raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. "Actually, forget that," he said with a chuckle. "I've seen enough. I get the gist of your abilities and capabilities." He glanced at the torn-up terrain around them craters, scorch marks, and scattered debris from their sparring session. "If we go any further, Maerith will kill me."