THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

Axel stepped forward, giving Riven a once over before, grinning. "Well, welcome to the group hero boy, hope you can keep up with us."

riven smirked, crossing his arm. "Oh i intend to surpass you guys and be the number 1 hero"

Dylan chuckled, patting Axel back. "Careful now, Riven you might have a competition for the title of ' Charges first without thinking first'

Axel shot back at Dylan "Hey!, I think before i head on you know "

Dylan shrugged. "Yeah, sure buddy"

June smiled at them. "Alright alright boys let's go now let's get to moving, if the information that Alisan and i, found in the library of eternity is real then we'll find the third relic in celestara."

Alisan nodded. "But i cant really say for sure, but the text is pointing towards a floating island hidden deep in the clouds, so its not really easily reached."

"It would be easy if we got a vehicle that can fly" Cauis said.

As the king remembers "Ah, if its a flying vehicle that you guys needed then you should headed towards to, Ironholde its located in ashen peaks, its a city that's built on a mountains."

Axel confused. "Huh?, how can you even build a city on mountain what?"

Dylan laughing at Axel. "Buddy we're in a Fantasy world get used to it."

"Oh, shut it Dylan i dont want you nagging at me ever." Axel said, getting ticked off by Dylan words.

As the king extended his hand, he spoke with a calm yet authoritative tone, "Can I have the map that I gave you? I'll show you where the Ashen Peaks are."

June reached into her satchel and pulled out the worn parchment, handing it over. The king unrolled the map across the table, his fingers tracing along the familiar landmarks before stopping at a jagged formation.

"This," he said, tapping the spot, "is the Ashen Peaks, where Ironholde, the City of Innovation, is located. If you're heading to Celestara, this route will take you close to it. You may find their technology useful or at the very least, a place to rest and resupply."

The group leaned in, studying the marked location. Alisan, always curious, asked, "What can you tell us about Ironholde?"

The king smiled knowingly. "A city unlike any other. Innovation thrives there, and its people value progress above all else. You'll see wonders not found anywhere else in Elodrath."

Dylan smirked. "Sounds interesting."

Axel crossed his arms. "Are they friendly?"

The king chuckled. "They'll welcome you so long as you respect their ways."

The group exchanged glances, already considering the detour before setting off toward Celestara.

The king turned to his nephew, Riven, his expression softening for a brief moment. "Riven," he said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "This journey will test you in ways you have never imagined. But I have faith in your strength and conviction. Make me proud."

Riven straightened, placing a fist over his chest in a respectful gesture. "I won't disappoint you, Your Majesty."

The king nodded, then looked at the rest of the group. "Take care of each other. And may fortune guide your path."

With that, he stepped back, offering a final nod of farewell. The group turned, making their way toward the gates.

As they reached the city gates, Dylan stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Finally, we get to go on an adventure again after everything that's happened these past few days," he said, a grin tugging at his lips.

Cauis chuckled, adjusting the strap of his weapon. "Yeah, felt like we were getting too comfortable back there."

June smirked. "You mean you were getting too comfortable."

Axel rolled his shoulders. "Doesn't matter. We're back on the road now, and I'm ready to punch something."

Alisan laughed lightly. "Let's hope that something isn't another tournament."

Riven, standing slightly apart from the group, looked toward the horizon. "Celestara, huh? A floating island… This will be interesting."

Before anyone could say more, Riven stepped forward, dramatically throwing his cloak over his shoulder. "Fear not, my companions! For I, Riven, will ensure that justice prevails on this journey!" He puffed out his chest, eyes gleaming with excitement. "No villain shall stand in our way! No innocent shall go unprotected! This is the path of a true hero!"

Dylan stared at him for a moment before leaning toward Cauis. "You sure we can't leave him behind?"

Cauis snorted, while June simply shook her head. "He's got spirit."

Riven frowned, crossing his arms. "Hey! Don't underestimate me! I've trained hard for this! You'll see I'll be the greatest hero of them all!"

Dylan smirked. "Right, right. Just don't go running off trying to save a cat in a tree or something."

Riven gasped. "What kind of hero would I be if I ignored a cat in need?!"

As laughter faded into the crisp morning air, the group finally stepped through the gates, setting off toward their next destination the Ashen Peaks, home to Ironholde, the city of innovation. Their goal was clear: find a flying vehicle capable of taking them to the floating island where the third relic was hidden.

Dylan adjusted his cloak, glancing at the mountains in the distance. "So, a city full of machines and inventors, huh?"

June folded her arms. "It's more than just a city of machines. Ironholde is known for pushing the limits of technology and magic. If anyone can build something to get us to a floating island, it's them."

After saying that, she stepped closer to Dylan, slipping her arm around his without hesitation. "And knowing you, you're probably going to find a way to cause trouble the moment we get there," she added with a smirk.

Dylan raised an eyebrow at her but didn't pull away. "Trouble? Me? I'm hurt, really." He grinned. "Besides, wouldn't you rather call it... making things more interesting?"

June rolled her eyes but kept her grip on his arm, while the others exchanged knowing glances before continuing toward their destination.

Axel grinned. "Hopefully, we won't have to jump through too many hoops to get our hands on one."

Riven, marching proudly ahead of them, raised a fist. "Worry not, comrades! No trial is too great for us! If we must prove our worth to obtain a flying vessel, then so be it! I shall lead us to victory!"

Dylan smirked, nudging Cauis. "Think they'll let a kid be the captain of an airship?"

Cauis snorted. "If they do, I'm getting off before we take off."

Riven shot them a glare. "Laugh all you want, but when we soar through the skies, you'll see I was born to be a hero!"

June sighed. "Let's just get there first."

As they reached the first step of the mountain, Dylan and Cauis practically bounced on their heels.

"Oh, oh, oh! This is gonna be fun!" Dylan exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Cauis grinned, mirroring his energy. "Finally, some real adventure again!"

June sighed, shaking her head. "Let's just get there first."

Alisan chuckled while Axel smirked, cracking his knuckles. Riven, on the other hand, stood tall with his hands on his hips. "Stay focused! A true hero never lets excitement cloud his judgment!" he declared, full of conviction.

Dylan gave him a sideways glance. "Right, right. Lead the way, 'true hero.'"

As the group made their way toward the Ashen Peaks, they allowed Riven to take the lead. The young boy walked ahead with a confident stride, his chest puffed out as if he were marching toward glory. His small hands gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready for anything.

"Stay sharp, everyone! Danger could strike at any moment!" Riven declared dramatically, scanning the path ahead like a seasoned warrior.

Dylan leaned toward Cauis, whispering, "He's really getting into this, huh?"

Cauis smirked. "Hero complex in full effect."

Despite their amusement, the group remained on guard, watching Riven closely. The deeper they ventured, the more rugged the terrain became. Rocky paths twisted through the mountains, and the distant hum of unseen creatures echoed through the valley.

June kept her eyes sharp, her grip tightening on Dylan's arm. "Let's not get careless. The closer we get, the more likely we'll run into trouble."

As Dylan looked at June saying. "Uhm... June... can u let go of me now.. if something happen to Riven i cant move fast enough"

June blinked, realizing she was still holding onto Dylan's arm. She let out a small huff, reluctantly releasing him. "Fine, fine," she muttered, crossing her arms.

Dylan rolled his shoulders, stretching a bit. "Thanks. I need to be able to move fast in case our little hero gets in over his head."

Riven, hearing this, immediately turned back with an indignant look. "Hah! As if! I told you, I—"

Before he could finish, the growl from earlier grew louder, followed by the sound of something shifting within the rocky outcrops ahead. The group's playful mood vanished in an instant as they fell into a ready stance, their eyes locking onto the source of the noise.

Dylan smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Welp. Show us what you've got, oh mighty hero."

Riven's eyes lit up with determination as he unsheathed his blade, stepping forward with a confident stance. "Stand back, everyone! I'll handle this!" he declared, puffing out his chest.

Axel raised an eyebrow, glancing at Dylan. "You sure about letting him go first?"

Dylan shrugged. "Hey, he wants to be the hero, right? Let's see if he can back it up."

From behind the rocks, a massive, fur covered beast emerged a mountain warg, its sharp fangs glistening in the dim light of the Ashen Peaks. It let out a guttural snarl, its deep red eyes locked onto the group.

Riven grinned. "Ha! Just one of these? Easy!" He rushed forward, blade raised high.

But as soon as he swung, the warg sidestepped with surprising speed, causing Riven's attack to miss entirely. The beast retaliated instantly, swiping at the boy with its claws.

"Riven, dodge!" June called out.

Riven barely managed to twist his body in time, the warg's claws grazing his cloak. He stumbled back, his confidence momentarily shaken.

Cauis whistled. "Oof, not as easy as you thought, huh?"

Riven clenched his jaw, gripping his sword tighter. "I just miscalculated!" He rushed in again, this time aiming lower, but the warg leaped backward, growling in annoyance.

Dylan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, kid. You gave it a shot. Now let me show you how it's done."

Before Riven could protest, Dylan blurred forward, lightning sparking around his body. In a blink, he was behind the warg, a crackling fist slamming into its side. The beast yelped, electricity coursing through it, and staggered before collapsing unconscious.

Riven stared, his sword still raised. "H-Hey! I had that!"

Dylan grinned, tossing him a wink. "Sure you did, champ."