Tirnanog

"End of the line, Ketergian knight scum,"

the marine sneered, his blade drawn and pointed at Youth. The tension in the air crackled like a live wire.

Youth's eye began to glow with a fierce red light, his expression hardening. Without a word, he swung his spear with blistering speed, forcing the marine to parry. The clash of their weapons reverberated, signaling the start of a chaotic battle.

The rest of the group leaped into action. Schneizal wielded his massive sword with brutal efficiency, cleaving through the guards that closed in around him. Sequana summoned a glowing magical shield, deflecting projectiles aimed at them.

"I can't… hold it!" Sequana cried as cracks began to spread across the shimmering barrier.

With a deafening shatter, the shield broke. The group dodged as the dragon, looming over the port, lashed out with its tail, smashing the dock into splinters. Waves crashed violently around them as the creature roared, its glowing eyes locking onto the intruders.

Vriede danced between two marines, her sword a blur of silver as she blocked their strikes with ease. Her wolf-like reflexes allowed her to anticipate their movements, delivering a powerful slash that sent them sprawling.

More soldiers poured in from all sides, overwhelming the group. Youth, gripping his spear tightly, finally let out a shout, his body enveloped in a surge of crimson energy. The glow from his eye intensified, and in an instant, his power erupted.

The marines froze in shock.

"A Grade 3?!" one of them stammered.

Youth's movements became a blur as he deflected every attack with precision, his spear cutting through the air like a hurricane. One by one, the marines fell, unable to match his newfound strength.

"That's right guys, we have a grade 3 knight in our squad, who dares to challenge us?!" Schneizal exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"Shut up Schneizal!" Youth barked, his voice filled with authority.

As they fought their way toward escape, a figure appeared ahead of them on the docks. He was different from the other marines, clad in a pristine white uniform adorned with gold shoulder pads. In his hands, he carried two aqua-colored machine guns that glinted under the moonlight.

"Looks like I'm just in time," the marine said with a smirk.

Without hesitation, he opened fire.

[Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!]

The rounds streaked through the air like glowing blue bolts, forcing the group to scatter.

His accuracy was unnerving; Schneizal's sword was blasted from his hands, and Sequana was struck by a grazing shot that sent her tumbling to the ground.

"Schneizal! Sequana!" Vriede shouted, her expression fierce as she charged toward the marine. Youth joined her, his spear aimed at their new opponent.

The marine remained calm, sidestepping their attacks with ease. With a quick motion, he fired a shot into Youth's gut. The impact sent him crashing to the ground, his Grade 3 energy dissipating as he clutched his wound.

"Youth!" Vriede growled,

lunging at the marine, but he evaded her strike and delivered a sharp chop to the back of her neck, knocking her unconscious.

The group lay defeated as the dragon's roar echoed around them. The marine adjusted his hat, his calm demeanor unshaken as reinforcements arrived to secure the prisoners.

Youth awoke to the sound of clinking metal. His vision blurred, but he quickly realized he was in a dimly lit cell. Across from him, Schneizal, Sequana, and Vriede were chained to the wall, their expressions ranging from annoyed to dazed.

Standing outside the cell was the marine who had defeated them. An Aquaroid who stood tall with teal hair, a sharp jawline, and a pristine marine hat tilted slightly on his head. Beside him stood a massive, muscular man with a stern expression and crossed arms.

"Nice to meet you, Knights of Keter Sanctuary," the aquaroid said with a polite smile.

Youth glared at him.

"Why are we here?" he demanded.

"Why?" the marine echoed.

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Why are you here?"

Youth's eyes narrowed.

"We're wondering about ourselves. We just… appeared here."

The muscular marine snorted.

"Appeared? That sounds so dumb," he said, letting out a booming laugh.

The teal haired marine shot him a look.

"Gondikas, could you try not to scare them? You're being rude."

Turning back to the group, he continued,

"Im sorry for my friend here, allow me to introduce myself. I am Marine General Algos. This meathead here is Marine General Gondikas. You're under arrest because you've never been seen by anyone in this nation before. That makes you a threat."

Schneizal, rubbing his temple, groaned.

"What is this place?"

Algos smiled.

"You're in Stoicheia territory pal. And you're from Keter Sanctuary, which has been off-limits ever since your people cut ties with us."

"And even if you did come even without the intention of waging war, you guys have no permit to visit this place... soo that's why you were all under arrest" Gondikas followed up Algos's statement

"Gosh, could you not make it sound less cool? " Algos replied.

"Stoicheia," Sequana murmured, her expression thoughtful.

Vriede, sitting up slightly, pointed at Algos' uniform.

"That looks a lot like Aquaforce gear."

Algos' smile widened. "That's because we are Aquaforce."

"WOW, REALLY?!" Vriede exclaimed, her tail wagging slightly in excitement.

"What the hell is Aquaforce?" Schneizal replied 

 "Aquaforce is one of the strong clans that fought beside the oceans!!" Vriede says with excitement. "uhm, never heard of them" Schneizel replied with confusion

Gondikas rolled his eyes.

"Algos, why are you even talking to these intruders?"

Algos waved him off. "Relax. Based on how they look and act, they're not much of a threat."

Youth's voice cut through the banter.

"Tell us where we are. We don't know this place, and we just want to go home."

His tone was cold and unwavering, his glowing red eye peeking from beneath his eyepatch.

Algos stepped closer, his smile fading.

"If you're not Ketergian, then why are you wearing their armor?"

Youth clenched his fists.

"This armor belonged to my father, who was killed by Ketergian scum. I wear it to remind myself of the vengeance I will bring."

Gondikas bristled, his fists tightening, but Algos raised a hand to calm him.

"I see,"

Algos said softly.

"Well then, I'll let you stay here for a week. Explore the nation, and I'll be keeping an eye on you."

"And our weapons?" Youth demanded.

"You'll get them back at the end of the week," Algos replied with a sly smile.

Youth glared at him, but Algos seemed unfazed. He turned to Gondikas, muttering,

"I didn't even get his name."

"That's because you didn't ask, idiot," Gondikas said gruffly.

"Who are you calling an idiot, meathead?"

Algos shot back, and the two generals began bickering as they left the cell.

The group was soon escorted outside, where they were met with a breathtaking view of the kingdom. Towering spires stretched toward the sky, rivers wound through bustling streets, and creatures of every kind moved about in harmony.

"Welcome to the Nation of Stoicheia,"

Algos announced with a flourish.

"This nation was born from the unity of all its clans after Ketergia's rulers abandoned us. Unlike your fragmented nation, Stoicheia thrives as one."

Schneizal and Sequana were captivated by the sight.

"So many Grade 3s," Schneizal murmured. "Are you one, Mr. General?"

Algos laughed heartily. "Grade 2, actually."

"WHAT?!" Schneizal shouted, incredulous.

"But you defeated Youth so easily!"

Algos smirked. "He's a Grade 3?" He laughed again, much to Schneizel's irritation.

"Grades aren't everything," Sequana muttered, rolling her eyes.

As they argued, Youth's voice cut through the noise.

"How do we leave this place?"

Algos' smile faded.

"I can't let you leave yet. There's too much at stake."

Youth's eye glowed brighter.

"I am NOT a Knight of Ketergia" he growled.

"Then prove I can trust you," Algos said with a calm but firm tone.

"You'll have your chance."

The two Marine Generals, Algos and Gondikas, left the group with a flourish, their bickering fading as they disappeared down the corridor. The guards outside the cell guided Youth and the others to the gates of the sprawling kingdom of Stoicheia.

As the group stepped beyond the gates, they were met with a breathtaking sight. Rivers wound through a vibrant village filled with stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Homes were built into towering trees, their canopies forming a natural roof that shaded the bustling activity below. People of all shapes and species moved harmoniously through the streets, exchanging goods, laughter, and stories. A pair of dragons soared overhead, their scales shimmering like gemstones in the sunlight. The air was crisp, filled with the gentle hum of life.

"Wow," Schneizal breathed, spinning in place to take in the view.

"This place is like something out of a dream. A lot better than the dirt and rubble back home."

Sequana nodded, her usual sass replaced by quiet wonder.

"It's incredible. Look at the magic coursing through this place… it's like it's alive."

She gestured toward the glimmering rivers, where glowing fish darted beneath the surface.

Vriede's wolf-like tail swayed as she smiled.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? No wonder the people here are so happy." She glanced at Youth, who walked silently ahead, his stoic expression unchanged.

"What do you think, Youth? Even you must be impressed by all this."

Youth stopped for a moment, his single visible eye scanning the surroundings. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though his voice remained steady.

"It's peaceful. I just wish the surface could be like this. People laughing, working together… no fear, no suffering. This is how it should be."

The group fell silent, reflecting on his words. Vriede placed a hand on his shoulder.

"One day, Youth. We'll make it happen."

They continued to explore, letting themselves be swept up in the life of the village. Children ran past them, laughing as they chased a floating orb of light. Merchants called out to the group, offering exotic fruits and gleaming trinkets. Schneizal wasted no time sampling everything he could find, devouring roasted meats and pastries with unabashed glee.

"This is amazing!" Schneizal exclaimed between bites. "

Why don't we have food like this back home?"

"Because most of the surface is too busy starving to worry about cuisine," Sequana said, though she couldn't hide her enjoyment as she sipped from a sparkling goblet of golden liquid.

"But I'll admit, this is… divine."

The group moved on, stopping to chat with the locals. An elderly woman with scales along her arms shared stories of Stoicheia's history, describing how the kingdom had been built through unity and respect among its diverse inhabitants. A group of children gathered around Vriede, asking endless questions about her wolf-like appearance and laughing as she playfully growled at them. Youth, standing a little apart, observed everything in silence, his thoughts hidden behind his calm demeanor.

As evening fell, the kingdom seemed to glow with a soft, ethereal light. The rivers sparkled under the moonlight, and fireflies danced in the air. The group found themselves on a grassy hill overlooking the village, their hearts lighter than they had been in a long time.

"This place is perfect," Schneizal said, lying back on the grass.

"If we didn't have Ketergia breathing down our necks, I could stay here forever."

Sequana's voice was thoughtful.

"It's not just the beauty. It's the people. They care about each other. They build each other up. That's what makes this place special."

Youth, standing at the edge of the hill, gazed down at the peaceful village.

"One day, the surface will know this kind of peace. That's a promise." His voice was quiet but filled with determination.

The group sat together under the stars, their journey far from over but their spirits renewed. For the first time in a long while, they felt a flicker of hope—hope that the world could change, that the heavens and the earth could reunite in harmony, just as Youth's father had dreamed.

The group was later offered a place to stay—a cozy little hut near the edge of the village. Exhausted from their exploration, they gratefully accepted. Inside, the hut was warm and inviting, with a single large bed, a smaller one, and a hearth softly crackling in the corner.

Schneizal placed his sword against the wall and immediately noticed the larger bed.

"Ah, finally some comfy sleep," he said with a grin as he approached it.

Before he could lay down, Sequana dashed past him and flopped onto the bed, spreading herself out comfortably.

"This is mine," she declared with a smug smile.

"Hey, this is mine!" Schneizal protested, glaring at her.

"I got here first," Sequana replied matter-of-factly, not bothering to move.

Their argument escalated until Sequana, with an exasperated sigh, raised a hand. A soft glow emanated from her palm, and a burst of magic pinned Schneizal against the wall with a dull thud. He groaned, dazed.

"Fine," he muttered, sliding down to the floor. "Have it your way."

Youth, unbothered by the commotion, removed his weapons and armor, placing them neatly by the smaller bed. He sat down and leaned back, letting out a quiet sigh as he relaxed for the first time in days.

As midnight came, the hut was silent except for the soft sounds of the village outside. Youth stirred awake, beads of sweat on his brow. He had dreamed of his father—of his voice, his smile, and the promise they had shared. Unable to sleep, he decided to take a walk outside to clear his mind.

The night was calm, the kingdom bathed in moonlight. The rivers glowed faintly, their surface reflecting the stars. Youth walked along a quiet path, the strong wind tousling his hair. He stopped at the edge of a small cliff overlooking the village and gazed down at the peaceful scene below.

"Like the place?" came a voice from behind.

Youth turned his head slightly, finding Algos standing a few feet away, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

"So, you're spying on us, huh?" Youth said, his tone neutral but sharp.

"Of course," Algos replied, stepping closer.

"You're not from here, after all."

"Then why don't you just put us back in our cell?" Youth asked, his gaze returning to the village.

"Because I want to trust you guys," Algos said simply.

"At first, I thought you were Keterian knights. But then I noticed you weren't wearing their headbands. That gave me the idea that you might be telling half-truths."

"Half?" Youth scoffed, irritation flashing across his face.

"Tsk."

"Listen," Algos continued.

"You can stay here as long as you like, alright? Help yourselves."

"The fact that you're being way too nice to us makes me more suspicious," Youth muttered, glancing at him.

Algos' demeanor shifted, his eyes closing as he spoke in a cheerful tone.

"Because I don't see you as much of a threat. Not as much as the other soldiers here do."

Then, in an instant, his eyes opened, and his tone turned cold and serious. "

But if you ever try to cross me, I'll end you myself. Understood?"

Youth's hands clenched into fists, his irritation barely contained. He gave Algos a sharp look but said nothing, letting the silence speak for him.

Youth then returned to the hut and lay down on the smaller bed, drifting into an uneasy sleep.

Meanwhile, Algos made his way back to the Marine headquarters. The grand hallways were dimly lit, and the air carried a faint scent of salt and iron. He entered a large room, its walls adorned with banners of Aquaforce and rows of medals displayed in glass cases. Sitting at the center of the room was a man with striking green hair, clad in an Aquaforce uniform laden with medals on his chest.

The man's sharp eyes fixed on Algos as he entered.

"So," the man's voice was smooth but commanding, "found anything about those guys from Ketergia yet?"

Algos exhaled and sat on a couch, his posture relaxed as he closed his eyes.

"Nothing suspicious, Supreme Marine General Cristianos."

Cristianos' lips curled into a smile.

"The one with the eyepatch… he's interesting. From what the others report, he turned into a Grade 3. Our soldiers can't even begin to understand how that was possible."

"I can't either," Algos admitted, his tone thoughtful.

"Even though I was able to knock him out, I could tell the kid lacks experience. He can boost himself with power, but it seems like he can't control it."

Cristianos' expression hardened.

"Then we'll find out for ourselves. I'm assigning you to keep an eye on them. You will act as their supervisor. Got that?"

Algos opened one eye and smirked. "Roger that."