Fairy Tail: Emerald

by Morning Tiger

Earth-Land. A world that is full of magic. Only 10% of the population can even use this power. The 10% come together and create a 'guild'. They accomplish jobs, quests, and other things. Basil Greenbloom, a man released from prison creates his own guild, Emerald Oasis. This is the story of the members of this new guild. Gallery of characters: on IMGUR - URL: /a/Fa8QimG

24. Chapter 24

Chapter 24

-Margaret Town-

"Things have been ramping up since we stopped the Wyverns, but we're still taking jobs. We're not yet on Fairy Tail's level, but we'll get there someday," Basil said while on a lacrima call with Yulia Fox, the guild master of Oath Talisman.

"I remember when you used to be all moody and brooding all the time. It's cute seeing you mentor younger wizards now. Emerald Oasis has come a long way. Too bad you haven't been around as much lately," Yulia teased, her lips curling into a playful pout.

Basil's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "W-well, I'll try my best to make it to Margaret Town soon."

Yulia giggled. "Basil, I'm just teasing. You make it so easy." She winked at him.

Basil chuckled. "Master Basil, do you have a moment? We seem to have some visitors," Coral announced in the background of the call.

"Well, duty calls, Yulia. I'll try to keep in touch."

"You do that, darling. Tata." Yulia wiggled her fingers in a playful farewell and cut the connection.

Yulia adjusted her lavender hair and fixed her cleavage. "Can't let that shy sprig take all the glory. Time for Oath Talisman to step it up." She punched the air in confidence, eager to rally her members. Leaving her office, she stepped into the bustling main hall, where ancient magic and modern chaos coexisted.

The main hall of Oath Talisman was a place where ancient magic and modern chaos coexisted, a testament to the diverse and often unpredictable members she led. As if on cue, a panicked shout reached her ears: "Anya! What the hell is that?!"

Yulia rounded the corner into the main hall, her eyes widening at the sight. Anya stood beaming in the center of the room, cradling a fluffy creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Its golden eyes blinked curiously at the assembled mages, while its tiny claws gripped Anya's tunic. Kain was pointing at her in shock.

"Everyone, meet Gale!" Anya announced, her voice filled with excitement. "I found him lost and alone in the forest. Isn't he adorable?"

The guild hall erupted in a chorus of gasps, exclamations, and nervous chuckles. Glen, the rune mage, cautiously approached, his eyes scanning the creature with scholarly interest.

"A griffin hatchling," he murmured, running a hand through his hair. "Fascinating. I haven't seen one this young in years."

Valkyrie Candy, the bubbly Alkahest mage, squealed with delight, her pink pigtails bouncing as she rushed toward Anya. "Oh my gosh, he's so cute! Can I hold him? Can I?"

Kain was at the center of the commotion, arms crossed and a scowl on his face. "Another stray for you to fawn over, Briarwood. What is this, your fiftieth animal friend you've brought?" he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. "Why am I not surprised?"

Yulia, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, intervened. "Anya, darling," she purred, her voice laced with amusement. "While Gale is undeniably adorable, what exactly do you plan to do with a baby griffin in the middle of our guild hall?"

Anya beamed. "I've already started gathering soft things for a nest in my room. He'll love it here! We can teach him all sorts of tricks, and he can play with the other guild pets... maybe we should get him a friend?"

Yulia chuckled softly, folding her arms. "Your kindness is unique, Anya. However, I cannot allow you to turn our guild hall into a menagerie."

Glen Skrifkona rubbed his chin. "If the griffin has a human's scent, its mother may not welcome it back. You wouldn't want that, right?"

Anya's face dropped into a pout. "Aww, but Glen..."

Glen sighed. "Look, it's better for the griffin and us if we find its family."

"Fine," Anya conceded, her shoulders slumping. "I'll take him back to the forest. But I'll be checking on him every day!"

"It was by itself, lost? Or did you kidnap it before it could go back to its nest," Kain stated in a low, flat voice, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

"No! It was by itself, lost!" Anya snapped back, her cheeks flushing with anger. "Not that you would know anything about kindness, Mr. Gloomy Pants. It's a miracle you're even outside your room."

Kain's scowl deepened, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, forgive me, your highness," he sneered. "I forgot how your boundless compassion extends to kidnapping defenseless creatures from their homes."

Anya's cheeks burned with indignation. "Kidnapping? I saved him! And for your information, Mr. Emo, not everyone spends their time wallowing in self-pity and darkness."

"Self-pity? Darkness?" Kain scoffed, his voice rising. "You're the one who refuses to face reality. This creature doesn't belong here, and you're only prolonging its suffering by keeping it captive."

"Captive?!" Anya shrieked, her eyes flashing with anger. "He's better off with me than abandoned in the forest, prey for some hungry beast!"

With a growl, Anya lunged at Kain, her hands glowing with Wildheart Magic as she summoned the strength of a bear. Kain, in turn, raised his palms, his eyes gleaming with an eerie purple light as he prepared to unleash a Soul Shock.

The two mages were about to clash when a calm voice cut through the tension.

"They hadn't argued in a while," Glen observed, running his hair with a scholarly air. "They were due for one."

Valkyrie, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, chimed in with her usual cheerfulness, "Oh, don't worry! They always make up afterwards. It's like their own little way of bonding!"

Her words were punctuated by a loud bang as Anya and Kain's magic collided, sending a shockwave through the guild hall. The other members scrambled to take cover as the two continued their magical duel, their voices raised in a heated argument.

"You're impossible, Briarwood!" Kain shouted, dodging a flurry of vines conjured by Anya's magic.

"You're insufferable, Azul!" Anya retorted, summoning a swarm of butterflies to distract Kain.

The chaos continued, but Glen and Valkyrie watched with a mix of amusement and concern. They knew this was just another chapter in the ongoing saga of Anya and Kain's tumultuous relationship.

As the dust settled, the two mages stood panting, their magic drained but their spirits unbroken. A tense silence hung in the air until Anya, with a huff, turned to Yulia. "Fine," she conceded. "I'll take him back to the forest. But I'll be checking on him every day!"

Kain simply grunted in response, a hint of relief in his eyes. Yulia smiled knowingly, shaking her head as she surveyed the scene. It was just another day in the life of Oath Talisman, a guild where chaos and camaraderie coexisted in perfect harmony.

---

Seraphina entered through the guild's main entrance, her boots clicking against the polished stone floor. She approached their quest board, her eyes scanning the various postings, before pulling one down with a decisive tug.

"Well, my little Sera, you came back a lot sooner than I expected." Yulia's voice, smooth and melodic, floated through the air as she approached. Seraphina's cheeks puffed out in annoyance, her fists clenching at her sides.

"I told you, don't call me that!" she snapped, turning to face her guild master with a scowl. Yulia merely offered a mischievous smile, her lavender hair cascading over one shoulder.

"Why not? You let me call you that when you were younger." She placed a hand over her mouth, as if to stifle a giggle.

Seraphina's eyes narrowed. Don't you dare bring her up... she thought, but her voice remained steady. "Because it's embarrassing! Besides, I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle myself."

Yulia's eyes narrowed slightly, a playful challenge glinting in their depths. "Oh, I see. Well, if that's the case, I guess I'll go train Valkyrie instead." She turned to walk off, leaving Seraphina momentarily speechless.

"Wait," Seraphina blurted, her eyes widening in surprise. "I thought we were going to spar together?"

Yulia smirked, turning back to face the younger mage. "A certain darling expressed they can handle themselves," she reminded, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.

Seraphina's jaw tightened, her grip on the quest parchment intensifying. "You're such a bully, Master."

Yulia giggled, unfazed by the accusation. "Oh, Sera. Come, I have received an urgent quest. It's an A tier."

Seraphina's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "A tier? Shouldn't the upper ranked wizards handle that?"

"I would, but they're gone one a mission right now. Besides," Yulia continued, her voice lowering conspiratorially, "this is a challenge. As I see it, the Emerald Oasis is a step ahead. And I know you don't want your rival to pull ahead."

At the mention of Fiora, Seraphina's posture straightened, her spine rigid with determination. A spark ignited in her ice-blue eyes, a fire fueled by rivalry and ambition. "What's the quest?" she demanded, her voice a steely blade.

Yulia smiled, recognizing the familiar spark of ambition in the young mage's eyes. "Gather everyone, I'll brief the quest in the main hall." With a final swish of her lavender hair, Yulia turned on her heels and walked away, her hips swaying with an air of confidence.

Seraphina watched her go, her resolve hardening with each step. She took a deep breath, her frostfire magic flaring briefly around her fingertips as she whispered, "I'll be the best damn mage this world has ever seen. Just watch. I'm the heir to House Valente. My magic will surpass even the strongest flame mage. Mark my words!" Her boots echoed through the guild hall as she marched towards the main hall, her every step radiating an aura of unwavering determination.

---

The members of Oath Talisman gathered in their grand main hall, sunlight streaming through the towering stained-glass windows and casting colorful patterns on the polished stone floor. Yulia, the guild master, stood in the center, her lavender hair cascading over her shoulders like a silken waterfall.

"Glen, have you heard from Koa and his group?" Yulia inquired, her voice echoing through the cavernous space. "The quest they're on seems to be taking longer than expected. They even missed the party with the Wyverns."

Glen, the guild's resident scholar, looked up from the ancient tome he was perusing. He adjusted his hair, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "Koa, Bolt, and Tyche sent a letter not too long ago, Master Yulia," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "They said they'll be returning soon."

Yulia nodded, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. "That's good to hear," she said, her voice softening slightly. "Now, onto the next topic. We have received an A-Tier Quest from a village that has lost a large number of their Lullaby Birds. We've been enlisted to find them."

Anya's eyes widened with concern, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a look of worry. "Lullaby Birds? Those poor creatures! They're so gentle and sensitive. What could have happened to them?"

Kain, the brooding Soul Whisperer, scoffed. "Don't get so worked up, Briarwood. It's just a bunch of birds. They're probably fine."

Anya's cheeks flushed with indignation. "Just a bunch of birds?! They're living beings with feelings and families! And it's our duty as mages to protect them."

Yulia stepped in, sensing the tension rising between the two. "Easy, you two," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We'll find those Lullaby Birds and bring them back safely. That's what Oath Talisman does."

Yulia's gaze swept across the faces of her assembled guildmates, her expression a blend of concern and determination. "This mission," she began, her voice resonating with authority, "is unlike any we've undertaken before. The village of Nightingale Nest, known for its harmonious existence with nature, has been targeted by a rogue faction of mages."

Anya gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. "They wouldn't dare harm such a peaceful community!"

Yulia nodded grimly. "Their target was specific: the Lullaby Birds. These unique creatures possess a magical song that soothes restless spirits, allowing the villagers to live in peace. But these mages, driven by greed and malice, have captured the entire flock."

Glen interjected, "Lullaby Birds are incredibly rare, their melodies possessing a unique harmonic frequency that can pacify even the most tormented souls. Their absence will undoubtedly disrupt the delicate balance of the village."

Kain, arms crossed and leaning against a pillar, spoke in his usual cryptic manner, "Darkness preys on light, chaos seeks to unravel order. These mages seek not just profit, but to shatter the tranquility of Nightingale Nest."

Valkyrie, her usual bubbly demeanor dimmed by the news, clenched her fists. "We can't let them get away with this! We have to rescue those poor birds!"

Seraphina, her eyes blazing with a cold fire, stepped forward. "Consider it done, Master Yulia. We'll track down these villains and make them pay for their crimes."

A determined silence fell over the guild hall, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace and the rustling of feathers as Gale, the baby griffin, stirred in Anya's arms. The Oath Talisman mages, united by their shared sense of duty and their unwavering commitment to justice, were ready to embark on their most challenging mission yet.

Yulia's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Excellent," she purred. "Let's show those fools the true meaning of Oath Talisman's wrath."

"It's still here?!" Kain exclaimed, seeing Anya cradle the creature, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Mind your own business, you moody shorty!" Anya retorted, her cheeks flushed with anger.

"Shorty? You're one to talk, you're smaller than me you pint-sized tree-hugger!" Kain shot back, his voice rising in annoyance.

Their exchange ended as abruptly as it began, with the two storming off in opposite directions, muttering under their breath. Yulia placed a hand on her cheek, a wry smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, the color of twilight, glinted with amusement.

"You're going to have your hands full with them, Sera dear," she said, her voice laced with playful warning.

Seraphina's eye twitched. "Y-yeah... Anyway, how far is Nightingale Nest?"

Yulia sauntered over to the map of the Kingdom of Fiore that hung on the wall, her heels clicking against the polished stone floor. She tapped a point in the southeast, her finger tracing the route. "Right here, not too far. About five days of walking if we follow the road. And if we find a carriage, even shorter."

She turned back to Seraphina, her expression now serious. "Glen, please make sure our younger members get ready. You five will be leaving tomorrow."

Yulia sighed, shaking her head. "It's times like these I miss Koa," she mused. "His intimidating presence usually keeps them in line."

Seraphina nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We'll be fine, master. I'll keep an eye on them."

"Thanks, Sera." Yulia smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Now, let's get this adventure started, shall we?"

"Master, what should I do?" Valkyrie chimed in, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Yulia froze, momentarily forgetting that their resident ray of sunshine was still present. Valkyrie's smile was so wide it threatened to split her face in two, her eyes sparkling like sunshine on a crystal-clear lake.

That's hilarious! It's a perfect blend of humor and character development, showcasing Valkyrie's enthusiasm, clumsiness, and surprising strength. The visual of her rolling into Glen like a boulder is particularly amusing.

Here's a slightly revised version that incorporates some additional details and a touch more dramatic flair:

"A-ah, Valk dear," Yulia stammered, caught off guard. "P-perhaps you can help Glen get ready. I'm sure he would love the help." Her eyes flicked over to Glen, who was frantically waving his hands in protest, mouthing the words, "Please no!"

Valkyrie gasped dramatically, her eyes widening with excitement. "Really, Master? Oh, thank you! I'll be the best helper ever!" She leaped to her feet, her exuberance causing a tremor in the very foundation of the guild hall.

With a determined cry of "Coming, Glen!", she charged across the room, her arms outstretched like a Valkyrie swooping down on her prey. However, her enthusiasm proved to be her undoing as she tripped over her own feet, her body tumbling forward with alarming speed.

Glen, despite his scholarly intellect, was no match for the oncoming force of nature. Valkyrie crashed into him with a resounding thud, her body pinning him to the ground.

"Get up! Get up!" came a muffled cry from beneath the pile of limbs. It was Glen, his voice barely audible as Valkyrie's ample breast threatened to suffocate him. Valkyrie blushed crimson and scrambled off Glen.

"I-I'm so sorry, Glen! That was only one time. I won't make another mistake again!" She cried, begging to be of help.

Glen rose to his feet, his robes in disarray. "Yes, well... perhaps just stick to helping pack supplies?" He suggested, his voice cracking slightly.

Valkyrie nodded furiously, her hands clasped together. "Of course, anything you need! I'll be the best assistant ever!"

Glen sighed, resigned to his fate. He motioned for Valkyrie to follow, and the two set off. Yulia chuckled under her breath, shaking her head. "Those two... always full of surprises."

Seraphina watched the scene unfold, her lips curling into a half-smile. "You're not worried they're going to mess up?" She asked. Yulia eyed Seraphina mischievously.

"There's nothing for me to worry about. The group lead will make sure that everything goes off without any trouble." Seraphina gulped audibly, her face paling as she realized that responsibility had fallen on her.

Yulia smirked, "You'll be fine, Sera. You just have to keep an eye on things and make sure nothing gets out of control. I'd put Glen in charge, but he's not too interested in defusing fights. Valkyrie has potential, but she's easily distracted."

Seraphina sighed, nodding in resignation. "I'll do my best."

Yulia patted her shoulder, a reassuring smile gracing her features. "I know you will." She then glanced at the clock, noticing the time. "Alright, it's almost dinner. Go and get the others. We'll be eating together tonight."

Seraphina, grateful for the reprieve, nodded. "Yes, Master." She turned on her heel, making her way to the door. Yulia watched her leave, a fond smile creeping across her lips.

"Those kids... they have no idea what they're getting themselves into," she murmured, a note of pride in her voice.

---

The guild met at the grand table in the guild hall's dining table. The members present chowed down and bickered, with Valkyrie and Anya moving the conversations along. A comfortable warmth filled the space, the air permeated with laughter and friendly banter.

Yulia's voice, rich and commanding, carried above the din. "Tomorrow morning, you must set off. And I know you'll do this guild proud. I know other guilds don't usually do a sendoff. But, this is Oath Talisman. We're not like other guilds. We are family. And when one of us goes on a quest, the whole guild cheers them on."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the faces of her guildmates, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "I have faith in each of you. You will succeed in this mission. And when you return, victorious and with Lullaby Birds in hand, the whole guild will celebrate. Because you are part of Oath Talisman. And we never give up."

The words lingered in the air, a quiet promise of unity and determination. The atmosphere became one of high spirits, the mood shifting from anticipation to excitement.

Glen cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the tension. "We mustn't forget, this quest isn't for the faint of heart. The village of Nightingale Nest is surrounded by wilderness, and the forest contains many unknown dangers. There are reports of strange and dangerous creatures lurking in the shadows. Not to mention the rogue mages who stole the Lullaby Birds in the first place. There's no telling what they might be capable of."

Kain raised an eyebrow, his tone dismissive. "Don't worry, professor, I'm sure we can handle whatever these 'rogue mages' throw at us. We've faced worse threats before."

"Having a party without us?" A voice called out. Through the door entered Tyche Azar. Blonde, blue eyes, and a deck of cards in a diamond encrusted case on her hip.

The members of Oath Talisman's expressions changed from curiosity to delight upon hearing the cheerful greeting. The door opened with a creak, and in walked the three mages who had been absent for a month. Yulia nearly jumped up from her seat.

"You've return! And the quest?" She asked, concerned.

"The artifact is recovered, Guild Master. Safe and sound." Koa Raden announced, carrying a small chest. "Our apologies for not coming sooner, but the mission took longer than planned." Said a muscular, dark skinned, and bald man. His body was covered in tattoos. He eyed his comrade. "Someone didn't want to help in carrying this heavy thing."

Bolt Keshin grinned, running a hand through his spiked blond hair. "Hey, that's why we have you, right? To carry the heavy stuff." The young man wore a blue outfit with metal gloves. His arms and face were riddled with scars.

The corner of Koa's lip curled up. "Whatever helps you sleep at night." He answered, bowing his head in respect. "It is nice to be back home, master."

Kain, whose eyes narrowed with distaste, scoffed. "Finally. I was beginning to think you died out there." The three male guild members laughed, catching up with one another.

Valkyrie and Anya squealed with glee, rushing to greet their friends. Anya embraced Koa, her arms wrapped around his waist. He staggered back from the force, a light chuckle escaping his lips.

"Koa, I'm glad you're back!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with relief. "We were all so worried about you."

Koa gave a warm smile, his voice a deep rumble. "Thank you, Anya. It's good to be back. The trip was difficult, but we managed to get the artifact in one piece."

Yulia approached Koa and raised an eyebrow. "Shall we see what our client has been so stressed out over? I had to send all three of my S-Class wizards for it. I hope it's worth it." She peered into the chest, her eyes widening in surprise.

Koa reached into the chest, pulling out a long, ornate pipe. The metal surface shone with a dark purple light, its spirals emitting a faint melody. There were runes carved into the side, each one glowing with a faint purple light. Glen approached the artifact, his eyes scanning every part of it.

"If I may." He requested to hold it. After careful examination, the rune scholar adjusted his hair and handed the pipe back. "The magic surrounding it is an ancient one. The runes tell a story of great power. Of chaos and death. Or, perhaps, of great love and life. The power is immeasurable and dangerous. If used irresponsibly, it could spell destruction for all of Fiore."

The room grew silent, each member processing the gravity of the situation.

"Of course, I am only joking." Glen's eyes glinted with mischief. "However, there is one thing I can say for sure. This artifact is associated with the Celestial Spirit World. Meaning, whoever holds it has some sort of connection with a celestial spirit mage."

"A spirit mage?" Anya questioned. "Isn't that a type of wizard that has contracts with spirits?"

Glen nodded. "Yes. Celestial Spirit mages, they hold keys that can summon celestial spirits. But this artifact resonates with magic from that world."

Yulia pressed her fingertips together. "And that means?"

Glen shrugged. "No clue. Perhaps this artifact can open a gateway to that world. Maybe it allows the user to channel power from a spirit. Or perhaps it can summon an incredibly powerful celestial spirit. However, none of us are celestial spirit mages, so we wouldn't be able to find out. If the guild leader wishes, they can attempt to find out more about this artifact."

Yulia hummed thoughtfully. She weighed the options, her mind racing. "For now, this will remain in the guild's vault. I'm sure the client will come once we inform them it's here. But, let's not waste any more time. We are sending off Sera, Anya, Valkyrie, Kain, and Glen on a quest."

Koa, Tyche, and Bolt sat at the table.

"Bit unusual to be sending five members, master. What's up with that?" Bolt asked.

Glen raised his hand. "The village of Nightingale Nest, it is in danger. The Lullaby Birds, the magical creatures that reside there, have gone missing. If not found, the village will fall into chaos. The forest will be thrown into disarray. The village's ecosystem will be destroyed. The inhabitants will be driven insane. The trees will wither and die. And-"

"I think they get the point, Glen." Kain interrupted.

Glen looked at Kain. "Oh, yes. My apologies." He cleared his throat. "In summary, the village and all of its inhabitants are in grave danger. We must go and bring back the Lullaby Birds at once. It is only natural that we send five members."

Tyche tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, let's hope you get lucky. Even though you always seem to have the worst luck." She winked at him.

"Or perhaps, your luck will improve." Koa said, patting his friend on the back.

Bolt nudged Kain. "You better be careful, shorty. If you lose to that wildling girl, you'll never hear the end of it." He teased.

"Quiet, Bolt," Kain growled, his voice a low rumble. Kain's eyes drifted over to Anya, but quickly looked away.

---

The five members of Oath Talisman sat on the train on their way to their destination, Nightingale Nest. Seraphina sat next to the window, Watching as the countryside went by. Her mind was preoccupied with the burden that Yulia had placed on her. Everyone was capable of leading, but Yulia had always placed her in the position to prove herself.

"Valk, how much sweets did you pack?" Glen asked as he was checking everyone's packs. "And you didn't even eat your lunch, you don't need to bring food for the whole train ride!"

"I packed snacks for everyone, in case we get hungry on the way there, and I didn't eat it because I wanted to save it for later!" Valkyrie reasoned. Glen ran his hand through his hair.

"We're not stopping to eat when we get there. You'll eat while walking." The rune wizard affirmed.

"I can't eat while walking, I'll drop something!"

Glen groaned. "Then eat now! You have no choice. It's like I'm babysitting children sometimes. No offense, Seraphina."

"None taken," she replied. "I'm used to looking after people."

"Speaking of, are you going to take a nap?" Glen asked. "You look a bit tired."

Seraphina yawned. "Can't sleep, lots to plan for."

Anya peeked her head over the top of her book. "Planning is boring. Why don't you take a break? You always have to be the responsible one."

"Because I'm the oldest, and the most mature."

"You mean mentally mature. You're 19." Kain added dryly.

"I'm almost 20!" Seraphina corrected, her eyes narrowing. "Anyway, I'm the older sister, so I have to look after you guys."

"You're not our mom, Seraphina. You're more like the nagging old aunt." Kain spat back. Seraphina glared and then launched herself at Kain. She pinched both cheeks and pulled them.

"OW, OW, OW! STOP IT!" He screamed.

Seraphina laughed. "Who's the nagging aunt now?"

Kain rubbed his reddened cheeks, a scowl on his face. Valkyrie covered her mouth with a hand, letting a giggle.

"That's our mature leader. Always setting the example." She joked. Seraphina rolled her eyes.

"I'm just having fun, that's all." Seraphina replied. She cleared her throat to get everyone's attention "Now, everyone, listen up. When we reach the village, we'll rest up and get to work first thing tomorrow. It's imperative we start immediately. Glen, you've looked up the history of the village."

Glen nodded and pulled out a notebook, running a hand through his hair.

"Nightingale Village is well known for their magic in music. It's said to bring a unique kind of peace in their area. The Lullaby Birds are a big part of that. The village stands on top of an Ethernano line, a rare phenomenon it itself. Usually, such a thing would be volatile, but the special frequency that the Lullaby Birds sing in keeps it in check. Since they've been taken, the village has become chaotic."

"So, without the birds, the Ethernano is becoming unstable?" Kain inquired. Glen nodded.

"Exactly. If the Ethernano isn't controlled, it could cause the land to collapse, the wildlife to go feral, or even the fabric of reality to warp. Hence, we should act quickly. The more time that passes, the more dangerous it becomes."

Valkyrie gasped. "How scary! Will they be ok?"

"Master Yulia says they're fine for now. Their mages are casting magic around the clock. However, it won't last long. We must find the Lullaby Birds as soon as possible."

Anya raised her hand. "What about the bandits who kidnapped the birds? We're up against some bad guys, right?"

"That's a separate can of worms. In the letter we received from the elder, they told us that a dark guild may be behind it. Though, I'm one to believe that will be the case. They're called Ethereal Scourge. It seems that their objective is to cause chaos. And what better way than to steal magical creatures of such value?"

Seraphina pondered his words. "Where is this dark guild?"

"Unknown. The fact that we know their name is a stroke of luck. They are like ghosts. But, I have a feeling they're not too far from the village. If the village is in trouble, that means the bandits are nearby."

Anya put her hand on her chin.

"I can start by talking with the local fauna. They could give us a clue if they saw those wizards and the last time they saw the birds. If we're lucky, they might know where they are."

Glen looked down at his notes.

"The forest is rumored to be a hotspot of magical activity. So, be on guard. There's a chance the dark guild is hiding out there."

Anya put her hand over her heart.

"With the help of nature, we will find them. I promise, Glen!"

Glen smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"As long as you don't kidnap them to bring back to the guild." Kain snarked. Anya huffed.

"I don't kidnap them! They're by themselves with no one to look after them. I can't leave them by themselves. Besides, what do YOU do besides be an anti-social dweeb who likes to sit in corners and stare at people?"

Kain frowned.

"I have a name, you know. Don't call me a dweeb. You're the one that acts like a child. Honestly, how can someone so small be such a brat? You look more like a rodent. Suits you much better."

"My height doesn't make me a rodent! At least I don't look like a sloth! Staring at people isn't cool, you know. It's creepy and weird, and probably illegal!"

Kain's eye twitched.

"Creepy? WEIRD? Who are you calling creepy?!"

The two mages bared their fangs at one another, standing on their seats.

"They just don't know when to quit." Seraphina commented while her gaze returned to the train window.

Valkyrie shook her head. "Shouldn't we stop them?"

"Are you crazy?" Seraphina asked. "Have you seen them fight? No one wants to get between that."

The pair's Ethernano began to flare up. A tense silence filled the cabin.

"Just one good punch..." Anya muttered, her fists clenched.

"Oh, that's it." Kain said, putting up his fists.

"Bring it on!" The two yelled in sync. Glen stood, pulling out a slender, intricately designed tool from his robe. The Runic Stylus glimmered faintly in his hand, its handle wrapped in Wyvern Leather and its tip crafted from Dragon's Fang. He raised the stylus and began to inscribe runes in the air. The tool glowed with a soft, blue light, leaving a shimmering trail of magical energy as he wrote the word 'hold'. The rune pulsed for a moment before disappearing, and suddenly, Anya's and Kain's arms pressed to their bodies, immobilizing them.. They fell over struggling to break free.

"Let us go Glen! I'm gonna make sure she gets it!" Kain shouted, trying to get up.

"Oh, you're dead! I'll beat the snot out of you!" Anya threatened, still stuck to her chair.

Glen took a deep breath, ignoring their pleas.

"Let's play a game. Whoever misbehaves from here on out, will do chores at the guild for the rest of the month. I'm sure you remember how master Yulia likes the guild hall."

Kain and Anya's faces turned white as they thought back on the last time the guild was a mess. Seraphina stifled a laugh.

"I second that." She said. "As a matter of fact, let's keep a point system. For every 10 points, you have to do one chore. Starting from right now, 5 points for arguing."

Kain and Anya stared at them in disbelief.

"You can't be serious!" Anya yelled, her tiny physique struggling to move.

"Damn, I didn't sign up for this." Kain groaned, giving up the struggle.

Valkyrie clapped her hands in excitement. "This sounds like fun! While we're on it, the loser can also help me wax my collection!"

Both wizards' mouths dropped.

"Your WHAT?" They yelled.

Valkyrie continued. "My material collection. Steel, iron, Elderwood, orichalcum, and many others! It's so shiny and beautiful, but also tough. It requires maintenance, so I polish them regularly. But I usually ask the guild members to help."

Valkyrie leaned toward Anya and whispered.

"It's the best fun you'll ever have, trust me!"

Anya sweat dropped. "Umm, that's ok. I don't wanna be a part of that. I'm fine with doing chores."

Valkyrie giggled.

"Suit yourself. The offer's always on the table."

Kain raised an eyebrow.

"Since when do you have a materials collection?"

Valkyrie cocked her head to the side.

"Since forever! What do you think I fight with, my sword? This sword isn't always the answer. Sometimes you have to go for the heavy stuff, like a hammer made of obsidian or a spearhead made of ice! It's amazing, and so fun to use! Also, it's super sparkly, and shiny. Who doesn't like that?"

Kain rolled his eyes.

"Kill me now."

Valkyrie threw a pillow at him.

"Aw, don't be like that! I'm just being honest. If I had my way, I'd have the whole guild covered in pretty gems and metals."

Glen cleared his throat loudly. "So many options for the loser to experience. How wonderful."

Valkyrie raised her hand.

"Glen, do we get to add extra tasks?"

Glen smiled. "Of course. I'll allow it. I'm feeling generous."

Valkyrie and Seraphina both chuckled. Anya started to sweat.

"I think I'll behave now. Right Kain? We can get along."

"Shut it. I'm not scared of a few chores. As long as Valkyrie doesn't try to turn this train into her own personal jewelry box."

Valkyrie pouted.

"I'll make sure you wax the heavy metals first, just for that."

Anya and Kain shuddered, realizing what awaited them.

"What have we gotten ourselves into?" Anya mumbled.

Glen grinned.

"Ah, what a lovely journey this will be. There you have it fearless leader, one less headache to deal with." He looked over to the frostflame user. "Unless Sera adds her own punishment to this."

Seraphina snorted.

"I don't need to. The others' ideas are enough. I'll step in if it gets out of hand." She glared at the two, her face serious.

"I only respect winners. Got it?"

Kain and Anya nodded their heads vigorously.

"Yes ma'am!"

"We won't disappoint you!"

Seraphina smirked.

"Good. Now, let's get ready for the mission."

The train pulled to a stop at a station and the five jumped off. Kain and Anya stretched their limbs and followed Seraphina through the streets of a small town.

"Nightingale Nest isn't far from here," Seraphina stated. "It should only take a few hours to walk there."

"Can't you write on something for us to ride?" Valkyrie asked. Glen ran a hand through his hair.

"That's not how rune magic works. It only lasts a certain amount of time. Unless you want to ride on a giant flying log that might disappear in mid-air, then by all means."

Valkyrie pouted.

"Party pooper."

Glen sighed. "You know, I never understood why you're always asking for rides on runes. It's not like you can't run. In fact, you're pretty fast."

"Yeah, but it's fun! Have you never used your own magic like that? It's awesome!"

Glen raised an eyebrow.

"Uh-huh. I prefer my magic to be more useful than entertainment."

Valkyrie crossed her arms.

"Some people are no fun."

"Valk, Glen is just a book worm. A nerd like him wouldn't..." Kain stopped, as he spotted Glen raise an eyebrow, his small notebook open ready to record the next couple of points.

"I think what Kain is saying is that you should see the positive things about what you can do, and not focus on what you can't. You're a talented mage, Glen. Your magic has saved us plenty of times." Anya interjected.

Glen scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks. Let's keep moving."

Glen led the group as they traversed the dirt road to Nightingale Nest. The landscape changed as they went, the bright blue sky turning cloudy and dark. The wind picked up, blowing leaves and debris in their faces. The trees rustled wildly in the gusts.

"Strange," Anya commented. "It's never this windy here."

Kain glared at the weather. "Perhaps the forest is throwing a fit since the Lullaby Birds are gone."

Suddenly, the group heard a loud screech.

"Did you hear that?" Anya asked.

"Sure did," Glen responded.

Seraphina whipped her head around, looking for the source of the noise. "Stay alert. Something's coming."

Suddenly, a large shadow emerged from the tree line. Anya's eyes widened.

"Look out!" she cried.

The creature leapt towards the group, its sharp claws reaching for them.

"Ursus power!" Anya shouted, magic pumped through her as a silhouette of a bear surrounded her. Her fangs grew and her eyes shifted, a ferocious aura crackling as she ran forward to meet the creature. She grappled with it, the beast easily towering over her, forcing it to the ground. It screeched in pain as it struggled to escape, but Anya held tight.

"Shh, its ok. We're not going to hurt you!" Anya said gently, her magic fading as her eyes returned to normal. "See? We're friends. Just calm down and everything will be alright."

The creature looked at her warily, its eyes shifting from person to person.

"Is that a bear? It's humongous. The Lullaby Birds really do keep the peace." Seraphina said approaching the animal. The bear's ears flattened in fear as she drew closer. She slowly reached a hand out and patted its head. "Hey there buddy, there's nothing to be afraid of. We're here to help. Are you lost?"

The bear relaxed as she spoke, its gaze fixed on her.

"He's a nice guy once you get to know him. I've been studying the creatures in the forest for years now. They're all just as friendly." An elderly woman appeared out of nowhere, examining the bear. She was small in size, smaller than Anya, and wore twigs and leaves in her clothing and hair. She held an oak staff that had seen the years go by.

Valkyrie pointed at the woman, a bit startled. "Who's that?"

Anya hopped off the bear.

"He's a softie, I could tell." Anya answered. "But, who are you?"

The woman smiled, revealing several missing teeth.

"I am the forest. And the forest is me. I am the keeper of this place."

Anya tilted her head. The old lady chuckled.

"I'm just teasing. I'm assuming you're the wizards from the guild we hired? I'm the Elder of the village, Lorelai. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is ours. I'm Seraphina. The guild master sent us to investigate the Lullaby Bird's disappearance. I apologize for not contacting you sooner, but it was a bit of a rush departure." Seraphina replied. The elder waved her hand.

"No worries. The faster you get to work, the better. Has she filled you in on the details?" The elderly woman asked. She waved her hand at them to follow.

"Come, let me take you to the village."

The group walked through the forest with the Elder. She hummed quietly to herself, a smile on her face.

"Sorry about that, he wasn't expecting visitors. He got a little excited to see new faces."

"Is it true that the animals in this forest get along?" Valkyrie inquired her finger to her chin. The Elder nodded.

"For the most part. Of course, you can't deny nature. Meat eaters have to eat, and the prey will run. But it's never without reason. This forest is special."

"Why's that?" Anya asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The Elder tapped her staff against the ground.

"Legend has it that this place is where the first human and the first celestial spirit met. As a result, this Ethernano line was created. One of the thinnest barriers between the two worlds. It makes it easier for the spirits to come and go."

"Wow, that's amazing. I've always wanted to visit a place with a lot of Ethernano. It's supposed to be good for training." Valkyrie remarked. The Elder nodded.

"Yes, the magic is stronger here than anywhere else. The animals thrive on it, and so do the plants. It's a special place, where humans and spirits can live in harmony."

"I thought celestial spirits could only come to Earth-Land on a contract." Glen asked. The Elder nodded.

"Yes, but the bond that this forest shares with the other world is strong. It's said that the spirits can travel between the two realms freely."

As they continued walking, the forest opened up to reveal a small, picturesque village nestled in a clearing. The houses were built from the surrounding wood, with vines and flowers growing along the walls. The sound of birds singing filled the air, though noticeably absent was the distinct melody of the Lullaby Birds.

"This is Nightingale Nest," Lorelai announced. "As you can see, we live closely with nature."

Seraphina looked around, her eyes taking in the serene beauty of the village. "It's beautiful here. I can see why you'd want to protect it."

Lorelai's expression grew somber. "Yes, which is why the disappearance of the Lullaby Birds is so troubling. Without their song, the balance of this place is at risk."

The group followed Lorelai to a central gathering area where the village elders awaited. One of the elders, a tall man with a long, white beard, stepped forward.

"Elder Lorelai, who are these visitors?" he asked.

"These are mages from Oath Talisman. They've come to help us find the Lullaby Birds," Lorelai explained.

The elder nodded, his eyes filled with hope. "Thank you for coming. We are in desperate need of assistance."

Glen stepped forward, holding his notebook. "Can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding the birds' disappearance?"

The elder sighed. "It happened about a week ago. One night, we heard a commotion in the forest. By morning, the birds were gone. We've tried searching, but our efforts have been in vain."

Anya's eyes widened with concern. "Did you see who took them?"

"No, it was too dark to see anything clearly. But we've heard rumors of a dark guild operating in the area," the elder replied.

Seraphina glanced at her team. "It sounds like we need to start our search in the forest where the birds were last seen."

Lorelai nodded. "I can guide you to the area. It's deep in the forest, where the Ethernano is strongest."

"Thank you, Elder Lorelai," Seraphina said. "We'll do everything we can to find the birds and restore peace to your village."

With Lorelai leading the way, the group set off into the forest. The deeper they went, the thicker the vegetation became, and the more palpable the magical energy in the air. Anya occasionally paused to listen and converse with the wildlife, trying to gather any clues.

After an hour of trekking, they arrived at a clearing. The ground was disturbed, and there were signs of a struggle.

"This is the place," Lorelai said softly. "This is where they were taken."

Glen examined the area, his eyes narrowing as he noticed faint traces of dark magic lingering in the air. "There's definitely been dark magic used here recently."

Anya knelt down, inspecting the ground. "There are tracks leading away from here. They look like they belong to humans."

Seraphina nodded. "We should follow these tracks. They might lead us to the dark guild."

Kain, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Stay alert. If this is the work of a dark guild, they won't hesitate to attack us."

The group followed the tracks deeper into the forest. As they went, the signs of dark magic grew stronger, and the atmosphere became more oppressive. They knew they were getting closer to their goal, but the danger was also increasing.

After another hour of careful tracking, they reached the entrance of a hidden cave. The air around it was thick with dark energy, and ominous sounds echoed from within.

"This must be it," Glen said, his voice tense.

Seraphina took a deep breath. "All right, everyone. Stay together and be ready for anything. Let's bring back the Lullaby Birds."

With determination in their hearts and magic at their fingertips, the members of Oath Talisman ventured into the cave, ready to face whatever dangers awaited them inside.

---

Seraphina's hand was lifted into the air, her frostflame whipping about her like a wildfire. "Frostfire Dance." The flames danced in a circle around her, illuminating the cavern.

"Glen, I need you to enhance Kain's magic. Kain, I need you to analyze the dark magic that's here," she instructed.

Glen nodded, pulling out his Runic Stylus. The tool shimmered with a faint blue light as he began to trace intricate runes in the air. "Enhancement Runes: Focus and Amplify," he chanted, the runes glowing brighter as they floated towards Kain.

Kain stepped forward, feeling the surge of power from Glen's runes envelop him. He raised his hands, the ethereal glow of his Soul Whisper magic intensifying. "Essence Perception," he whispered, his voice echoing in the cavern.

The dark magic in the cave began to reveal itself to Kain in intricate detail. He could see the threads of malevolent energy woven into the very fabric of the cave, each strand pulsing with dark intent.

"Glen, keep those runes steady. I need to see deeper," Kain said, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the complex patterns of the dark magic.

Glen continued to inscribe more runes, his hands moving swiftly and precisely. "Enhancement Runes: Clarity and Insight," he chanted, sending more runes towards Kain.

The runes merged with Kain's Soul Whisper magic, sharpening his perception and allowing him to delve deeper into the dark magic's structure. He could see the core of the enchantments, the essence of the spells that bound the dark energy together.

Kain's eyes widened as he recognized the complexity of the magic. "There's a network of different magics here, intertwined and layered. It's powerful and dangerous."

He pointed to a particularly dense area of dark energy. "This section is manipulating the cave's structure, making it unstable. We need to neutralize it first."

Kain moved his gaze to another section, where the shadows seemed to pulse with a life of their own. "Here, the magic is draining life force from the air. It's weakening us."

In another part of the cave, he noticed swirling currents of energy. "This barrier is created by combined magical forces. It's strong and designed to keep intruders out."

Finally, his eyes landed on a faint, almost invisible thread of magic. "And this… something sharp and destructive. It's hidden, ready to strike at any moment."

Seraphina kept her frostflame dancing around them, providing light and warmth. "Can you do it, Kain? Can you find a way to neutralize these?"

Kain nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he concentrated harder. "I can. I just need a moment."

With Glen's runes enhancing his abilities, Kain began to analyze the dark magic piece by piece. He identified the key points of each enchantment, isolating their essence and understanding their structure.

"The instability in the cave is the first priority. We need to neutralize the distortions to stabilize the environment," Kain explained.

Glen nodded and traced another set of runes. "Stabilization Runes: Gravity Nullify," he chanted, sending the runes toward the areas Kain had indicated.

As the runes took effect, the oppressive weight in the air began to lift, and the cave stabilized. Kain then focused on the life-draining magic.

"The life-draining magic is weakening us. I'll isolate and disrupt the drain points," Kain said, weaving his hands in intricate patterns. "Essence Disruption," he whispered, targeting the drain points.

The ethereal glow of Kain's magic pulsed, and the life-draining aura began to dissipate. Next, he turned his attention to the magical barrier.

"This barrier is strong, but it has weak points where the magical forces intersect. I can create a disruption at those points," Kain explained. He focused his magic on the intersections, applying pressure until the barrier started to weaken.

Finally, Kain directed his attention to the hidden destructive magic. "These threads are tricky, but they rely on a continuous flow of energy. If I sever the flow, the threads will lose their power."

He carefully traced the source of the energy, his hands moving with precision as he disrupted the flow. The threads of destructive magic began to fade, losing their potency.

With the various dark magics neutralized, the oppressive atmosphere in the cave vanished, leaving behind a sense of calm and clarity.

Seraphina lowered her hand, the frostflame extinguishing. "Great work, both of you. What were you able to discern from the magic?" She turned toward Kain.

"This is powerful dark magic, and it's designed to disrupt and destroy," Kain replied, his gaze still fixated on the patterns of the enchantments. "Whoever made it is skilled, and they know what they're doing. The fact that this magic hasn't deteriorate after a week of being here shows how strong they are. But I'm concerned as to why they are still here."

Glen nodded, his eyes narrowed. "It's a setup. They know someone will be on their tails, like us. There will be more traps further ahead."

Seraphina frowned, her hand clenched. "It doesn't matter. If that's the case, then we'll just have to be ready for it. I trust your ability, Kain. I know you'll be able to find the way through."

Kain nodded, his mind still processing the complex web of magic.

"I think I can disarm the remaining traps without triggering them," he replied, his tone confident.

They cautiously made their way deeper into the cave, guided by Kain's ability to detect the remaining enchantments.

"Valk, Anya, you're rearguard. Make sure we're not ambushed. Anya, see if you can glean any information from the wildlife in here." Seraphina commanded, the flames flickering at her fingertips.

Valkyrie raised her sword in salute, and Anya gave a thumbs up. "Will do!"

The group slowly progressed through the cavern, alert to any sign of danger. Suddenly, Kain stopped.

"Wait, there's another trap up ahead. I can see it."

The group froze in place as Kain studied the magical pattern of the trap. After a few moments, he spoke.

"This one is designed to create an explosion. It will destroy this entire section of the cave if triggered. They're crazy."

Seraphina frowned. "What should we do?"

Kain closed his eyes, concentrating on the intricate web of magic before him. "I can disrupt the spell, but it will require a delicate touch. Anything slight action will cause it to explode. These guys aren't here to play. If we trigger this, it will kill us."

"Let me see it!" Valkyrie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kain gestured, and the runes for the magical pattern appeared in the air before them. At the very center was a playing card.

"A card? Is that the explosion thingy?" Valkyrie asked.

Kain shook his head. "It's much more than that. It's the anchor, key, and power source for this whole trap. If we destroy it, the trap will be disarmed. But as I said, it will take a delicate hand. We can't even breathe on it."

Valkyrie smirked. "Then leave it to me!"

She reached out, grabbing the card. Nothing happened. She held it up, showing it to the others.

"See? I told you it would be easy!"

"Valkyrie!" Glen yelled, his eyes wide with shock.

Valkyrie cocked her head to the side. "What? Why are you so surprised? I can handle a little card trick. This is child's play!" Glen ran forward his hand furiously scribbling in the air.

"Defensive Runes: Protect and disperse!" he chanted, the runes floating towards Valkyrie. The card in her hand suddenly exploded, releasing a massive wave of energy. The runes absorbed the brunt of the blast, shielding her from harm. Glen and the others were blown back by the pressure.

Valkyrie stared at the smoking hole in the cavern, her face pale. "I guess they weren't kidding about the 'explosion' part."

Glen stared at her, marching over. He looked her over before knocking her on the head.

"Did your brain suddenly turn off?!" He yelled. "You could've died! That thing was designed to obliterate this whole cavern and you grabbed it without hesitation! You're an idiot!"

Valkyrie winced, rubbing her head. Tears formed in her eyes.

"I'm sowwy Glen," she whimpered, sniffling. "I was just trying to help. I thought I could handle it."

Glen's anger quickly turned to guilt as he saw the tears in Valkyrie's eyes. He groaned and crossed his arm.

"At least the trap is disarmed. We're good to go, leader. Are you ok?" He asked, glancing at Seraphina.

"I'm fine. We should continue. Be more careful this time, Valkyrie." Seraphina replied, brushing dust off herself. Valkyrie nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.

They continued on, navigating the treacherous path. They came across a few more traps, but with Kain's help, they were able to disable them. Anya halted the group.

"Rabbit's hearing." Anya glowed with magic. A silhouette of a rabbit formed around her. Ears made of her magic and whiskers appeared on her. She held a hand to her ear. In the distance was a melodious sound. "Do you hear that?... It's them! The Lullaby Birds!"

"Where are they? Can you locate them?" Seraphina asked.

"I think so. I hear them in that direction." Anya pointed to a dark tunnel.

"Lead the way." Seraphina replied.

Anya nodded and headed into the tunnel, her ears straining to pick up the birds' song. The rest of the group followed close behind. The tunnel seemed to go on forever, and the darkness made it difficult to see.

"It seems I found the rats who have been poking their nose where it doesn't belong." A voice rang out, causing the group to jump. The voice seemed to be everywhere at once, bouncing off the walls of the tunnel.

"Show yourself!" Seraphina ordered, her voice commanding.

"As you wish." The voice replied. A figure appeared, passing through the rock walls. In his hand was a jagged scythe.

"Who are you? Why have you taken the Lullaby Birds?" Seraphina asked, her body tensed, ready to fight.

The figure chuckled, his voice low and menacing.

"You said to show myself, not to tell you our business. That's your only freebie." Several play cards were thrown toward the ground in front of the group. Valkyrie placed her hand on the rock wall.

"Alkahest forge's great tower shield!" She cast, a handle appeared. She pulled on it with all her might, an enormous shield made of rock being pulled out. She blocked the explosions, the ground shaking. She held the shield with one hand and she was pushed back, her feet skidding and kicking up dust.

"That was rude! We weren't ready!" Valkyrie yelled at the figure, a pout forming on her face.

"Yeah! Way to be a jerk!" Anya agreed.

The figure laughed. "Quite the confidence. You wouldn't act so bravely if you knew who you were up against. You're dealing with the Ethereal Scourge Guild, and we don't play nicely."

"Seems the info was spot on." Glen muttered.

"We've already dealt with one of your pathetic traps. This will be no different. Stand aside or we'll use force." Seraphina stated, her ice-blue eyes shining. But no response came. Kain raised his hand, his magic encasing his hand.

"He retreated. If the birds are there, so will the rest of this dark guild. We'll need to be on our toes."

"Looks like we're gonna have to bust in!" Valkyrie cried out, preparing her great shield for another attack.

"Hold on there. We can't just rush in. There could be more traps. Kain, can you sense any?" Seraphina asked.

"I'm not sensing any dark magic." He replied, his hand still glowing.

"Well then, let's go!" Valkyrie yelled, charging forward. Seraphina grabbed her by the back of the neck.

"We stick together. We don't know what lies ahead." She reminded.

"But the quicker we beat 'em up, the quicker we can get those birds out!" Valkyrie pointed out.

"I don't disagree. However, rushing in blindly is a fool's errand." Seraphina said.

"I'm with Valkyrie on this one. We don't know how much longer the Ethernano will hold out before everything falls apart. We need to get those birds and get out of here." Anya stated.

"So we're going with the 'charge in head-first' plan?" Glen asked.

"Seems like it," Seraphina replied, a faint smile on her face. "Sounds like something Fiora would do."

"Fiora? Who's that?" Valkyrie asked, her head tilted.

"A big brat, that's who." She answered. "You guys ready? Oath Talisman has a mission to complete."

The group charged forward, their magic at the ready. The tunnel opened up into a large cavern. The Ethereal Scourge Guild stood at the other end. Five members stood side by side. All round them were the Lullaby Birds, floating as if caught in a zero gravity area. Their feathers were iridescent, sparkling in the light.

"The birds!" Anya exclaimed.

"We've come for the Lullaby Birds. We won't let you keep them." Seraphina stated, her voice full of determination.

"See what I mean? Their overconfident." Phantom told the one in the center.

"They can think what they want. It won't help them against my gravity." he said. "I am Vertigo. These are my guildmates. You may refer to us as the Ethereal Scourge Guild. Your reputation precedes you."

"It's them. Their magic were all over this place and in the traps." Kain explained.

"If we're so famous, then why not show us the respect we deserve and give us the birds? You're just some small fry dark guild. Oath Talisman has no need to deal with the likes of you." Anya spoke. Vertigo chuckled.

"Intriguing. They will make for some good entertainment. This job was pretty boring so far. Let's have some fun."

"This won't end well." Glen muttered.

"Hahahaha! We'll see about that. Your big talk is nothing more than a front. You're nothing but weaklings in fancy robes." Another taunted.

"Fellas, take your pick. Just don't play with your food for too long, we have somewhere to be." Vertigo said.

Vertigo, standing at the center, exuded an aura of control and dominance. Tall and imposing, with a muscular frame, he wore a flowing black coat with silver accents that seemed to defy gravity, fluttering slightly as he moved. His piercing green eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity, and his baldness complemented his cold demeanor.

To his right, Phantom was a slender and ghostly figure, with a spectral aura that made him seem almost translucent. Clad in tattered black robes that flowed and shifted like shadows, his face was hidden beneath a dark hood, with only his glowing red eyes visible. He held a long, eerie scythe that looked like it was made from the bones of some unknown creature.

Next to Phantom, Shredder stood with a sadistic grin plastered across his scarred face. He had a wiry build and wore a patchwork of tattered clothes, with a long, dark coat filled with pockets for his razor-sharp playing cards. His hands, heavily scarred from years of wielding his deadly cards, flexed eagerly as he prepared for the fight.

On the far left, the Gemini Twins, Castor and Pollux, stood ready. Castor, the strong and stoic twin, wielded a massive stone hammer. He had a solid, muscular build and wore heavy armor made of enchanted stone. Pollux, the agile and cunning twin, held wind-infused daggers. He was lean and quick, dressed in light, flowing clothes that allowed for swift movements. Their synergy was evident in the way they stood, perfectly synchronized and ready to enhance each other's magic.

The Ethereal Scourge Guild was a formidable sight, each member radiating power and confidence as they faced the intruding mages of Oath Talisman. The cavern seemed to hum with the tension of the impending battle, the iridescent glow of the Lullaby Birds providing an almost surreal backdrop to the standoff.

"We want the pretty pink haired one!" Pollux yelled out excitedly, pointing to Valkyrie.

"Aww, thank you!" Valkyrie replied, smiling.

"You know I don't mean that as a compliment. Knew she was an airhead." Pollux replied, rolling his eyes.

"You're all so rude!" Valkyrie said, pouting.

"Leave the nerdy one to me. He looks weak. I want to tear him apart." Shredder said, his cards at the ready.

"These guys are all mouth and no pants." Anya rolled her eyes.

"I don't care who I fight. I'll even take two at the same time." Phantom expressed.

"That leaves the bossy one to me." Vertigo stated while staring at Seraphina.

"Stay on guard. Don't underestimate them. I believe in all of you." Seraphina reassured.

"Did that scary looking guy just paired us together?" Kain asked aloud.

"Yup. Looks like it's you and me, Kainy-boy. Let's see what you got!" Anya smiled at Kain.

"Yay. I didn't get a partner. I get to fight two at once." Valkyrie pointed out.

"If I didn't know you guys, I'd find us weird." Glen sighed.

"This is nothing new. Get ready, and follow my lead. Oath Talisman, we move." Seraphina led. The five were ready to pounce, but Vertigo waved his hand. Gravity suddenly disappeared, all the members of Oath Talisman being pulled into different parts of the cavern.

"Ugh! What's going on?!" Valkyrie yelled out, trying to regain her balance.

"Don't bother. You're in my domain now." Vertigo gloated. Each member of Ethereal Scourge were lifted and sent to their respective opponent.

---

Anya and Kain were sent sprawling to the ground; the Wildheart user landing on the Soul Whisper user.

"My luck hates me." Kain muttered.

Anya flipped herself over and got up, turning to glare at Kain. "Why are you always in the way?" She asked.

"In the way of what? You could've landed over there, but you decided to land right on top of me!" Kain snapped.

"Enough with the excuses. Come on, we have to focus. We have a mission to complete." Anya said, getting to her feet.

"I'm not making excuses!... Fine. Truce." Kain reluctantly offered.

"Truce." Anya agreed. Phantom rose from the rocky crown, the scythe over his shoulder.

"How entertaining. I've never seen wizards at each other's throats like you two. Maybe I should just observe." He suggested, a chuckle escaping hood.

"Like hell you will." Anya growled, her fists clenching.

"Give us the birds, or we'll make you give them to us." Kain threatened. Phantom touched the ground and brought a hand to his hood, as if holding a chin.

Phantom touched the ground and brought a hand to his hood, as if holding a chin. "How did your guild disable our traps? We went through such lengths to make sure they were perfect," Phantom wondered.

"Oh, that's an easy one. Kain is an expert at identifying and neutralizing dark magic. He's a real prodigy when it comes to magic." Anya explained, almost as if it was a threat. Kain blushed, not expecting her to say such nice things about him.

"Kain, huh?... Well, it doesn't matter. Even a prodigy has weaknesses, and I intend to exploit every single one of yours. Starting with your cute girlfriend. That'll hurt more than any physical wound." Phantom pointed out, chuckling. Anya and Kain glanced at each other, then glared at Phantom.

"My cute girlfriend?" Anya scoffed, her cheeks reddening slightly. "You've got a twisted sense of humor."

Kain stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "You talk big, but let's see how well you handle real magic. Anya, let's show him what Oath Talisman can do."

Phantom chuckled, his scythe twirling lazily in his hand. "Such confidence. Let's see how long it lasts."

Anya clenched her fists, her Wildheart Magic activating. "Ursus Power!" she shouted, ethereal bear-like energy surrounding her, enhancing her strength. "Let's go, Kain!"

Kain nodded, his Soul Whisper Magic flaring up. "Essence Disruption!" he called, his hands glowing as he prepared to analyze and counter Phantom's attacks.

Phantom smirked, his scythe swinging in a wide arc. "Soul Siphon!" A wave of dark energy rushed toward Anya and Kain. Anya dodged to the side with incredible speed, thanks to her enhanced agility, while Kain raised his hands to intercept the attack, analyzing the dark energy.

"Interesting... Your magic feeds on fear and despair," Kain muttered, eyes narrowing as he began to disrupt the dark energy's flow.

Anya took advantage of Phantom's momentary distraction and charged forward, her bear-enhanced strength aiming for a powerful punch. "Take this!"

Phantom barely managed to deflect her blow with his scythe, the force pushing him back. "You're stronger than you look," he admitted, his tone less mocking.

"But strength alone won't be enough," Phantom continued, his voice dripping with malice as he disappeared into the shadows, only to reappear behind Kain. "Soul Siphon!"

Kain spun around just in time, his hand glowing with Soul Whisper Magic as he blocked Phantom's scythe. The clash sent sparks flying, and Kain gritted his teeth. "Not so fast!"

Anya leaped into the air, her agility and strength combining as she aimed a kick at Phantom. "Get away from him!"

Phantom phased through her attack, reappearing a few feet away. "You two have some fight in you. Good. This will be fun."

Kain and Anya shared a determined glance. "Ready?" Anya asked.

"Always," Kain replied.

They charged at Phantom together, their combined magic and teamwork creating a whirlwind of attacks and defenses. Phantom found himself on the back foot, his confidence waning as the duo pressed their advantage.

Phantom swung his scythe in a wide arc, dark tendrils of energy lashing out toward Anya and Kain. "Soul Vortex!" he cried, the tendrils aiming to ensnare and drain their life force.

Anya dodged nimbly, her Wildheart Magic giving her the reflexes of a cat. "Feline Grace!" she invoked, her movements becoming a blur as she avoided the tendrils and closed the distance to Phantom.

Kain stood his ground, his eyes glowing with intense focus. "Essence Shield!" he called, a barrier of glowing energy forming around him, deflecting the dark tendrils away.

Anya reached Phantom, her claws extended as she slashed at him with ferocious speed. Phantom blocked her attacks with his scythe, but Anya's relentless assault left him no room to counterattack.

Phantom snarled, his eyes flashing with frustration. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his voice dripping with venom. He swung his scythe in a tight arc, aiming for Anya's legs.

Anya leapt over the attack, her agility allowing her to avoid the strike by a hair's breadth. She landed behind Phantom, her bear-like strength surging as she grabbed his arm and twisted. "Now, Kain!"

Kain seized the opportunity, his hands glowing as he prepared a powerful spell. "Essence Disruption: Purge!" he shouted, sending a wave of purifying energy toward Phantom.

Phantom's eyes widened in realization, but it was too late. The wave of energy hit him, disrupting the dark magic that fueled his powers. Phantom staggered, his connection to the dark energy severed.

"You... you think this is enough to stop me?" Phantom growled, his voice trembling with rage. He raised his scythe for a final attack, but Anya was already in motion.

"Wildheart Strike!" Anya roared, her fist glowing with the combined strength of all the animals she had bonded with. She landed a powerful punch squarely on Phantom's chest, sending him crashing into the cavern wall.

Phantom slumped to the ground, his scythe falling from his grasp. "Impossible... How could I lose to you...?" he muttered, his voice fading as he lost consciousness.

Anya and Kain stood over Phantom's fallen form, their breaths heavy but their spirits unbroken.

"Nice work, Anya," Kain said, a small smile forming on his lips.

"You too, Kain. We make a pretty good team," Anya replied, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Phantom's form flickered, a shadowy mist rising from his body as he struggled to regain his strength. "You think you've won? This is far from over," he hissed, his voice echoing ominously in the cavern.

Anya and Kain tensed, readying themselves for another round. Phantom's scythe glowed with a dark aura as he channeled his remaining energy. "Soul Rend!" he cried, sending a wave of malevolent energy toward them.

"Essence Barrier!" Kain shouted, his hands creating a glowing shield that absorbed the brunt of the attack. The force pushed him back, but he held firm.

Anya saw an opening and dashed forward, her Wildheart Magic shifting to the speed and agility of a cheetah. "Cheetah's Blitz!" she invoked, her body becoming a blur as she closed the distance to Phantom.

Phantom swung his scythe wildly, trying to fend off her rapid attacks. "You're too fast!" he spat, frustration growing in his eyes.

Kain joined the fray, his Soul Whisper Magic enhancing Anya's attacks. "Essence Amplify!" he called, his magic intertwining with hers, increasing the power and speed of her strikes.

Phantom found himself overwhelmed, unable to keep up with the relentless assault. "This can't be happening..." he muttered, desperation creeping into his voice.

Anya's eyes blazed with determination. "It's over, Phantom!" she shouted, her fists glowing with energy. "Wildheart Final Strike!"

With a final, powerful blow, Anya struck Phantom squarely in the chest, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through the cavern. Phantom's scythe shattered, and he collapsed to the ground, defeated.

Anya and Kain stood victorious, their breaths ragged but their spirits high. "We did it," Kain said, a sense of relief washing over him.

Anya nodded, her fierce expression softening. "Yeah, we did. You did pretty well there." She complimented. Kain blushed a bit, looking away and scratching the back of his head.

"Thanks, you too." He replied. Anya wore a knowing smile.

"Was that a compliment?" She asked, hoping he would respond. Kain turned his head to her and then looked away.

"N-No!" he denied, his blush deepening.

"Yeah, it was!" She poked his cheek and started walking toward the center of the cavern. Kain followed, shaking his head with a slight smile.

"You're impossible," Kain muttered, but there was no heat in his words.

"You like it," Anya teased, glancing back at him. "Admit it, Kainy-boy, you can't resist my charm."

Kain groaned, his blush deepening. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Anya."

She laughed, the sound echoing through the cavern. "Come on, let's get these birds back to the village. Then you can complement me some more."

"In your dreams," Kain replied, but he was smiling.

---

Glen stood alone in his section of the cavern, the air thick with tension. Shredder, his opponent, twirled a razor-sharp card between his fingers, a cruel smile on his scarred face.

"Bookworm, ready to fight me? This should be fun," Shredder sneered, flicking the card with precision toward Glen.

"I'm a bit annoyed at your assumption that I'm a nerd. I'm not wearing any glasses."

"Glasses aren't the only indicator of being a nerd." He shot back, a card whizzing past Glen's head.

"So, you're a bully. That explains your personality. You must have been bullied a lot." Glen deduced, his hand glowing.

"What?! How dare you!" Shredder snarled, another card cutting through the air.

"All the signs are there. You have a superiority complex, a lack of empathy, and an obsession with proving your power." Glen continued, tracing runes.

"Shut up! I'm stronger than you!" Shredder threw a barrage of cards.

Glen's rune stylus glowed as he traced a quick pattern in the air. "Barrier Rune: Aegis!" he invoked, a translucent shield materializing just in time to block the cards.

Shredder's eyes narrowed. "Smart-ass. You're hiding behind a barrier."

"Your cards are dangerous. I can't afford to be reckless. But neither can you." Glen observed, his eyes gleaming. Shredder's anger dissipated as he twirled more cards across his fingers.

"Not bad," Shredder admitted, his grin widening. "Let's see how long you can keep that up." He sent a flurry of cards flying toward Glen, each one charged with destructive magic.

Glen's eyes narrowed as he moved his stylus swiftly, tracing intricate runes in the air. "Enhance Rune: Swift," he chanted, his movements becoming faster. He dodged and blocked the oncoming cards with fluid precision.

"You can't hide behind your runes forever, nerd!" Shredder taunted, closing the distance between them. He threw a card imbued with a swirling vortex of dark energy. "Vortex Slash!"

Glen countered with a rapid sequence of runes. "Repel Rune: Force!" A burst of energy erupted from his stylus, deflecting the vortex card and sending it spiraling away harmlessly.

Shredder growled, his playful demeanor giving way to frustration. "You're really starting to annoy me!" He reached into his coat and pulled out a handful of cards, each one glowing ominously. "Let's see how you handle this!"

"Scatter Shot!" Shredder yelled, throwing the cards in all directions. They exploded mid-air, filling the cavern with blinding light and deafening noise.

Glen instinctively drew a rune in the air. "Rune of Silence!" A dome of quiet energy surrounded him, blocking out the noise and allowing him to focus. He traced another rune on the ground. "Anchor Rune: Stability!"

The ground beneath Glen solidified, anchoring him in place and preventing the shockwaves from throwing him off balance. He peered through the dissipating smoke, spotting Shredder moving in for a close-range attack.

Shredder's grin was predatory. "Caught you off guard!" He slashed with a card imbued with cutting wind.

Glen twisted his stylus, invoking another rune. "Shield Rune: Bastion!" A sturdy, rune-inscribed barrier formed just in time to block Shredder's slash.

"You rely too much on those runes," Shredder spat, his cards cutting through the air. "Let's see if you can keep up!"

Glen's mind raced, analyzing the patterns of Shredder's attacks. His eyes watched Shredder's movements, strategies appearing and erasing just as fast. In a split second he saw his chance. He wrote a rune in his hand, his eyes steely with determination. "Rune of Binding: Chains!" Numerous chains shot out from the rune, chasing the dark guild member.

Shredder's eyes widened. "Clever bastard!" He leaped back, narrowly avoiding the chains. His hands shot out numerous cards, shredding through the chains. Glen ran through, his stylus scribbling numerous runes as he approach his opponent. The last rune wrote out was 'Flash'. He grabbed it, the word floating in the air. He slid right in front of Shredder and threw it up while placing his arm over his eyes. "Utility rune: Bright and blinding!"

A bright flash of light burst from the rune, temporarily blinding the dark guild member. He staggered back, clutching his eyes. "Argh! Damn it!" In that moment, Glen sprinted around Shredder, writing more and more runes. Once the light faded, the card sharp user looked around, surrounded by floating runes. Each was a single word ranging between left, right, forward, back, up, and down.

"This is checkmate, 'Shredder'." He declared.

Shredder blinked, his vision clearing, but it was too late. He was trapped within a maze of runes, each one pulsating with latent energy. "You think this can hold me?" he snarled, throwing a handful of cards in a desperate attempt to break free. They each hit a rune, being sent all over the place with increasing speed. They wrapped around and were sent back toward Shredder.

"Damn you... This isn't over!" Shredder growled, ducking as his own cards whizzed past him.

Glen stepped forward, his stylus glowing with controlled energy. "It's over. Surrender."

Shredder's eyes blazed with defiance, but his body was spent. He slumped against the web of runes, his breath ragged.

"Having a change of heart in calling me a nerd?" Glen asked, genuinely curious.

Shredder sneered, despite his predicament. "Anyone who fights with a pen instead of a sword is a nerd in my book."

Glen shook his head with a faint smile. "Well, this 'nerd' just beat you. Stay put while we finish this."

Shredder's sneer turned into a desperate grin. "Like hell I will!" He unleashed a storm of cards, sending them flying in every direction. Each card struck a rune, triggering the magic within and sending the cards ricocheting back toward Shredder.

The cavern filled with a chaotic explosion of energy as the cards collided with the runes and each other. Shredder was caught in the storm, the force of his own attacks overwhelming him.

"Arghhh!" Shredder screamed as the explosion knocked him off his feet, his cards shredding his coat and leaving him battered and bruised.

When the dust settled, Shredder lay on the ground, unconscious and defeated, his cards scattered around him.

Glen tightened the bindings with a final trace of his stylus. "Rune of Restraint: Lockdown!" The runes glowed brighter, securing Shredder in place.

With Shredder incapacitated, Glen turned to rejoin his guildmates, his mind already focused on the next challenge. The cavern echoed with the sounds of battle, but Glen knew they had the upper hand. He cast a quick glance back at Shredder, who lay motionless on the ground.

"Stay put. This will all be over soon," Glen said, his voice calm and resolute.

---

Valkyrie stood ready, her bright pink hair catching the light as she faced off against Castor and Pollux, the Gemini Twins. The cavern buzzed with energy, the tension palpable.

Pollux grinned, his wind-infused daggers glinting menacingly. "Ready to be blown away, airhead?"

Castor swung his massive stone hammer onto his shoulder, his stoic expression unchanging. "Don't underestimate her. We take her down together."

Valkyrie placed her hand on the ground, a playful smile on her face. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Hammer!" The rock beneath her hand glowed, and she pulled out a massive, intricately designed hammer made of solid stone. "Let's dance, boys! I'm getting pumped up"

Pollux and Castor moved in sync, their magic combining. "Twin Synergy: Gale Force!" they shouted, sending a powerful gust of wind and debris toward Valkyrie.

Valkyrie swung her hammer, using its weight to ground herself against the force of the wind. "You'll have to do better than that!" she taunted, stepping forward with surprising speed for someone wielding such a large weapon.

The twins attacked together, their synchronization flawless. Castor's hammer came crashing down as Pollux's used wind magic to accelerate the attack. "Twin Synergy: Earthquake Strike!" The ground trembled with the impact.

Valkyrie dodged nimbly, the ground exploding into a crater where she had just stood. "You're strong, but I'm stronger!" she declared, swinging her hammer at Castor.

Castor blocked with his own hammer, the force of their clash sending shockwaves through the cavern. They clashed, the hammers' heads impacting over and over again. Pollux took advantage of the distraction, darting in with his daggers aimed at Valkyrie's back.

"Gotcha!" Pollux yelled, closing in fast.

Valkyrie smirked and twisted her body, her hammer morphing into a long spear as she spun it. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Spear!" She deflected Pollux's attack, the spear's length giving her the reach to keep both twins at bay.

Pollux stumbled back, surprised by the sudden change in her weapon. "What the—?"

Castor pressed his attack, swinging his hammer with relentless power. Valkyrie parried, her spear morphing into a shield to absorb the blows. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Shield!"

The twins regrouped, their synergy apparent as they moved in perfect harmony. "Twin Synergy: Tornado Drill!" Pollux shouted, combining his wind magic with Castor's earth magic to create a spinning spike of earth propelled by wind magic.

Valkyrie braced herself, her shield absorbing the initial impact. She then slammed it into the ground, transforming it into a massive maul. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Maul!" With a powerful swing, she dispersed the technique, the force of her strike sending debris flying in all directions.

Pollux and Castor exchanged a quick glance, silently communicating their next move. They split, attacking from opposite sides. Castor swung his hammer low while Pollux aimed high with his daggers.

Valkyrie grinned, anticipating their strategy. "Alkahest Forge's Twin Swords!" Her weapon split into two gleaming swords, one for each twin. She parried Castor's hammer with one blade and deflected Pollux's daggers with the other, moving with fluid grace. They tried to attack all at once, Valkyrie able to split the rhythm of her parries between each sword.

"You can't keep up with both of us forever!" Pollux taunted, his movements a blur as he tried to find an opening.

"Watch me!" Valkyrie replied, her blades flashing as she blocked and countered each attack. She focused, her magic flowing through her weapons with precision.

Castor growled, increasing the power of his strikes. "Twin Synergy: Meteor Smash!" He leaped into the air and began to spin with blinding speed, infused with wind magic.

Valkyrie crossed her blades above her head, catching Castor's hammer between them. The impact reverberated through her arms and into the ground, cracking the earth but she held firm. "Nice try, but it's my turn now!"

She pushed back, sending Castor stumbling. Pollux lunged, but Valkyrie was ready. She spun, her blades merging into a single, massive warhammer. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Warhammer!"

With a powerful swing, she sent Pollux flying into the cavern wall. He hit with a thud, sliding to the ground in a daze.

Castor roared in anger, charging with his hammer raised. Valkyrie met his charge head-on, their weapons clashing with a thunderous boom. She twisted, using her agility to slip past his guard and bring her warhammer down on his shoulder.

Just as she was about to land the blow, Pollux and Castor's bodies shimmered and switched places. Pollux now faced her with a wicked grin. "Twin Synergy: Switcheroo!" The twins swapped places, Pollux at the ready with his daggers. Valkyrie had little time to avoid the attack, her cheek being cut.

"You're tricky. I like that. It's cute." She complimented, her hand glowing.

"Cute?!" Pollux exclaimed, not taking the insult well. "I'll show you cute!"

"Calm yourself, brother. She's trying to get under your skin. Don't let her." Castor advised.

"Right." Pollux replied, cooling his temper. But she held a bright smile on her lips.

"Too late." She said as she brought a great sword from the ground. "Alkahest Forge's Titan Sword!"

The sheer size and power of the sword shocked the two brothers. Pollux use his wind magic to move him aside, but had to use full force, which forced his to collide into the ground. "Arghhhh!"

"Not bad, but I'm just getting started," Valkyrie declared, her titan sword transforming into a pair of gauntlets. "Alkahest Forge's Stone Gauntlets!"

With her enhanced speed and strength, she charged at the twins, landing a flurry of powerful punches. Pollux and Castor struggled to keep up, their synergy starting to falter under her relentless assault.

"Twin Synergy: Quake Cannon!" the two said together, combining their magic to fire a blast of concentrated energy from their hands. The beam of energy exploded on impact, engulfing the entire area in a cloud of dust and rubble.

As the dust settled, the Gemini twins surveyed the damage, waiting for their opponent to emerge. Castor frowned, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement. "Where is she?"

"So, on a scale of one to 10, how much of an airhead do you think I am now?" She asked from behind them.

The twins spun around, their weapons at the ready. "How did you get behind us?" Castor demanded, his eyes narrowing.

Valkyrie shrugged, her usual cheerful demeanor gone and replaced with a serious expression.

"You let your guard down when you thought you'd won," Valkyrie replied, her voice calm. "That was your mistake."

"We haven't lost yet!" Pollux cried, his daggers glinting as he darted toward her, his wind magic carrying him faster than before. Valkyrie didn't move, only pulling out a uniquely colored shard. Pollux immediately stopped in his tracks.

"Do you know what this is?" she inquired cheerfully. The two Gemini Twins felt sweat build on their foreheads.

"Ever heard of a Dragon Lacrima?" she continued, her tone light but the weight of her words heavy.

Castor's eyes widened, his grip tightening on his hammer. "Impossible... That's a multi-element Dragon Lacrima!"

Valkyrie smiled, twirling the shard between her fingers. "Indeed. This little gem contains the power of multiple elements, all rolled into one. It's the strongest material in my arsenal."

Pollux and Castor exchanged worried glances. Valkyrie's cheerful demeanor made the impending threat even more intimidating.

"H-how did you get that?" Pollux stammered.

Valkyrie chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, that's a secret. But let's just say it wasn't easy."

She shifted her stance, the Dragon Lacrima glowing brighter in her hand. "Now, let's see how well you can handle its power. Alkahest Forge's Elemental Blade!"

The shard glowed brilliantly, transforming into a long, shimmering blade that radiated fire, ice, and lightning. Valkyrie gripped it firmly, her expression turning serious. "Let the other dark guilds not to tangle with Oath Talisman." She sliced the air with all her might. "Alkahest Forge's Elemental disaster!"

A mighty roar of wind, fire, and lightning surged forward, engulfing the Gemini twins and the surrounding area. The force of the blast was incredible, the heat searing and the sound deafening. Valkyrie stood her ground, her eyes locked on the twins. The world seemed to stand still as the power of the elements washed over the two, the intensity of the magic forcing them to their knees. They were rendered unconscious and crumbled to the ground. A moment later, Glen, Kain, and Anya appeared. Glen spied the material in her hand.

"Did you use the Lacrima? Master Yulia told you only use it in emergencies!" he chastised her.

"Technically, it was an emergency. They were being a pain in the butt!" she defended her choice. She fell backwards and laid on the ground, exhausted. "It was worth it."

Glen rolled his eyes and walked over. He used his stylus to write the word wagon. He approached a large piece of debris and attached the rune to it. "Transport Rune: Wagon." Valkyrie's eyes lit up.

"You're giving me a ride?" she asked.

"I don't want to carry you like a sack of potatoes." He responded. "Besides, I told you before, this isn't how you use runes. But... I'll make an exception." He sighed.

"Yay!" Valkyrie cheered. "Anya, you hear that? Glen's gonna give me a ride."

Anya stuck her tongue out. "He's such a pushover." She smirked.

Glen rubbed the bridge of his nose, his patience wearing thin. "We're still missing Seraphina. Hopefully she's making short work of their leader."

---

The cavern echoed with the sounds of battle, but in one corner, the tension was palpable as Vertigo and Seraphina faced off. The air around them seemed to ripple with anticipation.

Vertigo stood tall, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the chaotic energy of his gravity magic. "You're outmatched, girl. Give up now and I'll make this quick."

Seraphina's eyes narrowed, her frostfire dancing around her, casting an eerie glow. "We'll see about that. Frostfire: Glacial Waltz!" She twirled gracefully, sending out waves of frostfire in a circular pattern, freezing and burning anything in their path.

Vertigo smirked, raising a hand. "Gravity Distortion: Graviton Crush!" The ground beneath Seraphina's feet cracked, the intense gravity pulling her down.

Seraphina staggered but maintained her stance, her frostfire flickering but not extinguished. "I won't be taken down that easily! Frostfire: Frozen Sonata!" She conjured sharp ice shards infused with frostfire and launched them at Vertigo in rapid succession.

Vertigo waved his hand, the air around him distorting as the gravity redirected the ice shards away from him. "Your ice won't reach me," he taunted, sending a concentrated gravity wave toward her.

Seraphina dodged, her movements graceful and swift. "Then I'll get up close! Frostfire: Blazing Tundra!" A powerful burst of freezing flames erupted from her hands, creating a swirling vortex of fire and ice that surged toward Vertigo.

Vertigo braced himself, the gravity around him intensifying to counter the attack. "Gravity Distortion: Black Hole!" A small, dense orb of gravity formed in front of him, pulling in the vortex of frostfire and neutralizing it.

"You may have a reputation, but it's not you or your guild mates whose names follow Oath Talisman. Yulia Fox, your master, has been known for years. You, however, are a nobody. Nothing but a pretty face and a talent for destruction."

A pang of anger flashed through Seraphina, but she held it back. Instead, she focused on her magic, letting the flames grow hotter. "You've underestimated me, Vertigo. You won't have another chance. Frostfire: Arctic Minuet!" Flames exploded from her fist, sending out waves of icy flames that swirled trying to surround the dark wizard.

"My, my, you've got some bite to your bark after all. How unfortunate for you, but then again, this is what happens when a weakling tries to take on a real mage." His condescending tone fueled Seraphina's determination even further.

Seraphina took a deep breath, summoning more of her magic. "Frostfire: Flurry of Scorch!" Blistering winds mixed with her frostfire, creating a storm of fiery snowflakes that cut through the air, seeking their target.

Vertigo scowled, the pressure from the flurry of frostfire slowly increasing. "It seems I underestimated you. Very well, I shall show you true power!" He stretched out his arms, his gravity magic amplified.

Seraphina found herself struggling to maintain her footing, the increased gravity threatening to pull her to the ground. She could feel the gravity trying to pull her in every direction, but she pushed out a cover of her frostfire.

"Yulia Fox sent a child to fight me? How pathetic. She'll feel the sting of her mistake when she finds out she has lost five of her guild members. Maybe then she'll reconsider sending a pup to do a dog's job."

Seraphina gritted her teeth, the fury building within her. She channeled it into her magic, pushing back against the oppressive gravity. The freezing fire raged against the gravity, Seraphina being forced to her knees. She was trying to maintain her calm, but the more the dark wizard talked, the angrier she was getting.

I have to keep it together. Mater Yulia is counting on me. She thought to herself. Focus, Seraphina, focus.

But her thoughts were interrupted by the mocking laughter of the dark wizard. "Look at you, a pathetic little girl trying so hard to stay on her feet. Your master has failed you, and now you will die in vain."

Her resolve finally snapped. The rage inside her boiled over, and she let out a furious cry, unleashing a torrent of flames. Her frostfire crawled up her arms, whipping wildly around her.

"You've pulled me down to a level of someone I don't like losing to. She's always aggressive and wild. Always uncouth. You will regret making me furious." She threatened. Her mind flashed with Fiora, reminding her why she was fighting.

"Is that it? Is that the best you can do?" Vertigo sneered, unfazed by her display. "If so, then this will be easier than I thought. Gravity Distortion: Graviton Storm!" He raised his arms, the air around him rapidly rippled with power as the gravity intensified.

The increased gravity weighed on Seraphina, nearly bringing her to her knees. Her fire began to flare brightly.

"Frostfire: Devil's Dance." she cast, and the fire flared like a living creature. The flames consumed her, wrapping around her body. Her eyes burned with icy fire, and her hair flowed around her like a raging inferno. She let out a primal scream and launched herself at Vertigo, her flames trailing after her. He felt the pressure she was exuding, his gravity increasing in power, but was doing nothing to stop her.

The cavern walls shook with the force of their battle, the air crackling with magical energy. Seraphina's frostfire swept over Vertigo, the intense cold and searing heat competing with his gravity magic. He pushed off the clash, trying to create distance. He snarled.

"What the hell is this? Where did this power come from? Who the hell are you?"

Seraphina laughed, her frostfire spreading out in tendrils, creating a cage of flames. "My name is Seraphina Valente. The Ice Queen of Fiore. And you will soon know me as the Flame Empress. She continued to chase him, her flames leaving trails of fire. Suddenly, Vertigo felt it, the freezing cold that soon took over their battleground. His movements slowed, the chill making his muscles stiff. He looked down, noticing the layer of ice that covered the floor.

"C-c-cold..." he shuddered. He had never experienced such a powerful spell. He didn't think a magic that was a natural opposite to itself could be that effective. He had to break the spell somehow. But his concentration was slipping. His body was too cold. He was using his gravity magic to slow the spread of the ice, but it was only delaying the inevitable. He could feel his body going numb, his breathing becoming labored.

"Y-y-you can't w-w-win this. I-I-I'm stronger than y-you." he managed to choke out. But it was futile. He was fighting a losing battle. He had underestimated this young mage.

"G-gravity distortion: g-g-g-gravity bomb." His spell fired, the explosion shaking the cavern. The ground began to crack, debris flying everywhere. Beams of light began to peak through, filling the cavern in Ethernano.

"The Ethernano line. You're crazy. The Ethernano will kill us!"

"I-i-if I d-d-die, s-so will you." he said, his voice growing weaker. His spell had caused the Ethernano line to become unstable, the magical energy around them rising. Seraphina began to panic, trying to think of a way to stop this. She looked back to Vertigo.

"No. It'll be just you." Her frostfire erupted from her back. "Frostfire: Fiend's Serenade!" The Ethernano fused with her magic, causing it to burn even brighter. It surrounded the two, a prison of fire and ice. Vertigo's eyes went wide as he felt the pressure of the flame. She began to spread her magic all over, the flames beginning to consume the two. The ice, the flames, the Ethernano. Everything was in a state of chaos.

"W-w-what is this? What are you doing?!" Vertigo demanded, his voice shrill with fear. Seraphina just smiled.

"Have you ever heard of a man named Ealdwine Renard?" she asked with a composed voice.

Vertigo's eyes narrowed, a flicker of recognition in his gaze. "The Phoenix Flame Master? The legendary mage who taught at Blue Pegasus and rivaled even Gildarts Clive? What does he have to do with this?"

Seraphina's smile widened, her flames intensifying. "He's my master, and he taught me everything I know. Including how to handle trash like you."

With that, she unleashed her full power, her frostfire engulfing Vertigo completely. The cavern was filled with the blinding light of her magic, and the sound of Vertigo's screams echoed through the space. As the light faded, the cavern grew silent, everything frozen in place. Seraphina stood alone, the remains of the cavern strewn around her.

"Finally," she breathed, "it's over."

Seraphina collapsed onto the ground, exhaustion claiming her.

---

She awoke surrounded by her guild mates.

"You are the single most reckless leader I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You're lucky I was near the Lullaby Birds so I could shield them." Glen lectured her. "Still, that was an impressive feat of magical prowess."

"Glen is right, you are reckless and bold, but it paid off," Kain chimed in. Valkyrie hopped over and knelt next to Seraphina who was on the forest floor.

"Your ice was so pretty! It melted with the fire and created this beautiful kaleidoscope of colors. So awesome."

"Are you all right, Seraphina?" Anya asked. "That was an epic battle. Your opponent must have been strong."

"Yeah, he was," she replied. "But we beat him. We beat them all. Are the birds ok? Did everyone get out alright?"

"Of course. The Lullaby Birds are safe and sound. All thanks to you. You saved them, Sera. I'm proud of you." Yulia Fox stated as she arrived at the scene. Seraphina sat up quickly, looking over her shoulder.

"M-m-m-master Yulia?! W-w-what are you doing here?" She stuttered. Yulia smiled and reached out a hand, helping her up.

"It was an A tier mission. You think I was just going to let you go off on your own and risk your life?" she teased. "Besides, I wanted to see the fruits of your labor. And I must say, well done. That was quite the battle."

Seraphina blushed, embarrassed at having been caught off guard.

"It's funny how master Yulia is the only person that can fluster the great ice queen." Kain snickered.

"Shut it, Kain." she muttered.

"Oh, there's two other people that do an even better job of flustering my little Sera. Your little rival and the master you both studied under." Yulia giggled as Seraphina turned beet red.

"Master Yulia!" she squeaked in embarrassment. Yulia laughed and patted Seraphina's head.

"Let's get you home, okay? I'll go and talk to the village elders. Thankfully they were able to hold out before the Ethernano line affected too much." She instructed.

"Master, the dark guild made the Ethernano line burst. Will it be ok?" Seraphina inquired.

"Don't worry, Sera. We'll get it fixed. That's what makes us a legal guild. We do the right thing." she assured her.

Seraphina nodded, feeling a sense of pride in her guild.

"Everyone, help with the cleanup. Once the village is restored, it will be an important milestone for Oath Talisman. Besides, it's nice to help the locals." Yulia commanded.

The guild members dispersed, each starting their assigned task. Yulia watched with a smile, her motherly instincts kicking in.

"Seraphina is really shaping up to be an amazing mage. I hope she keeps training to become the Flame Empress. If she becomes as strong as she can be, no one would dare challenge her," Yulia mused, her thoughts drifting to Wilder. "Ealdwine 'Wilder' Renard, your teachings live on in her. You've left quite a legacy, my old friend."