THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

The group wasted no time. They gathered supplies and set out at dawn, the sun casting long shadows across the capital's streets. Galland concentrated, casting his teleportation spell, transporting them as close to the Plains of Vashar as his remaining mana would allow.

One moment they stood in the bustling streets of Ashar, and the next, they found themselves on the windswept edge of the plains.

Golden grasses stretched endlessly before them, swaying like a living ocean beneath a sky heavy with clouds. The wind howled around them, carrying a faint, eerie hum.

Baskar scanned the horizon. "We're here. Welcome to the Plains of Vashar."

Axel adjusted his coat against the sharp gusts. "So, where do we even start? This place is massive."

Izzy shielded her eyes from the sun. "If Dylan's looking for a sealed sword, he'd probably head toward the ancient ruins or one of the landmarks mentioned in the old stories."

June nodded. "The Pillars of Storms or the Riftscar Canyon would be the most likely places. Both are known for holding ancient secrets."

Galland sighed, already weary from the teleportation. "The Eternal Camp isn't far from here. We can start there and gather information from the tribes."

Baskar agreed. "Good idea. We'll rest and plan our next move once we get there."

As they set out across the golden plains, the wind picked up again, carrying the distant rumble of thunder. Something about this place felt alive as if it was watching their every move.

As they made their way across the plains, the wind grew stronger, swirling around them with an unnatural chill. The golden grasses rustled violently, and dark clouds began to roll in from the distance, crackling with faint flashes of lightning.

Axel slowed his pace, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. "You hear that?"

June frowned. "The thunder?"

"No," Axel said, tightening his fists. "Something's moving beneath us."

Before anyone could react, the ground erupted in a burst of dirt and grass as a massive serpent-like creature shot out, its shimmering scales blending with the golden plains. Its eyes glowed with a fierce red light, and venom dripped from its fanged mouth.

"A burrowing serpent!" Baskar shouted. "Stay on your feet! It'll strike from below again!"

The serpent circled them, its body slithering with terrifying speed, kicking up clouds of dust. Izzy summoned a burst of lightning to try and stun it, but the serpent dodged with ease, vanishing underground once more.

"It's fast!" Galland gritted his teeth, readying a spell. "We need to draw it out and hit it hard!"

Just as Galland spoke, the ground trembled beneath June's feet. She jumped back just in time as the serpent lunged toward her, its fangs missing by inches. She retaliated with a blast of ice, freezing part of its tail as it disappeared underground again.

"Cauis" Baskar called. "You're the quickest here draw it out!"

Axel grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Gladly." He darted to the side, zigzagging across the field to make himself a moving target. The serpent took the bait, bursting out of the ground and lunging at him with a hiss.

Cauis gave a quick nod. "On it." He tossed his cloak aside and sprinted across the field in a zigzag pattern. The serpent burst out of the ground with a hiss, locking onto him as its target.

"Now!" Izzy shouted.

Galland unleashed a pillar of flame, and Baskar followed with a powerful strike from his Fist, smashing through the serpent's side. The creature let out a screeching roar, thrashing wildly before collapsing onto the ground, its scales charred and cracked.

The wind settled again, and the plains fell eerily silent.

Axel dusted himself off. "Well, that was a nice warm-up."

June shook her head, still catching her breath. "If that was just one of the creatures here… we'd better be ready for more."

Baskar inspected the fallen serpent. "We'll have to stay alert. There's no telling what else is out here."

Izzy glanced at the distant horizon, her eyes narrowing. "We're getting closer. I can feel it."

They pressed on, their guard heightened, knowing the plains held more dangers yet to reveal themselves.

The group continued walking under the fading sunlight, the horizon glowing with hues of orange and pink. The golden grasses of the plains swayed gently in the breeze, but an unusual tension hung in the air.

Izzy glanced toward the distant hills. "We're close to the Eternal Camp. Shouldn't be more than an hour or two from here."

Izzy folded her arms. "The plains are unpredictable. Calm one moment, chaos the next."

Baskar nodded grimly. "Stay alert. We're not out of danger yet."

Suddenly, a thick, unnatural fog began to roll in, shrouding the plains in a pale mist. The wind stopped entirely, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

Axel tensed. "Well, there's your chaos."

Cauis narrowed his eyes, stepping forward. "What's with this fog? I thought this was plains weather, not haunted forest weather."

A low growl echoed from the mist, followed by the thudding sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Shadows flickered, circling them just out of sight.

June conjured a small blue flame in her palm, its light barely piercing through the dense fog. "We're not alone..."

Glowing eyes appeared in the distance several pairs. Large wolf-like beasts with silvery fur stepped into view, their eyes glowing green and tendrils of dark mist swirling around their bodies. Behind them, the ground trembled as a towering creature emerged from the fog, its body covered in cracked stone, shadows clinging to its limbs like living armor. Its eyes burned with a deep violet hue, and each step it took seemed to draw the light out of the air around it.

Baskar's eyes narrowed. "Shadow-attributed creatures… not something we should take lightly."

Axel tightened his fists. "Shadow magic? This just got a lot worse."

June readied her magic, frost forming around her fingers. "Stay close. These things won't go down easily."

The wolf-like beasts let out a synchronized howl before charging, their forms almost disappearing into the mist as the towering creature raised its massive arms, preparing to strike.

One of the wolves lunged at June, its glowing eyes locking onto her. Without flinching, June raised her hand, her expression cold and focused. "Guys, stay back," she said calmly. A surge of Voidfrost swirled around her, the air growing bitterly cold. With a sweeping motion, she cast a wave of dark, frost-laden magic. Ice erupted from the ground, encasing the wolves in thick black crystals, their forms frozen in a twisted dance of shadow and frost. The ice pulsed with a dark abyssal hue, tendrils of void energy flickering inside the frozen prison.

June glanced at Alisan, her voice steady. "Alisan, do your thing."

Alisan stepped forward, her eyes glowing with determination. She placed her hand gently on the surface of the dark ice prison, the faint hum of her Rapture magic resonating through the frozen structure. "Let's end this," she said softly.

A wave of shimmering energy spread from her fingertips, seeping into the Voidfrost. The ice pulsed once, twice, then shattered violently, sending jagged shards in all directions. The imprisoned wolves crumbled under the surge of magic, their forms dissipating into shadowy mist.

Axel lowered his guard, impressed. "That's some serious firepower, Alisan."

Alisan glanced back with a faint smile. "I figured we didn't have time to waste."

Baskar crossed his arms, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Looks like Maerith's training really paid off. You two handled that perfectly."

June brushed some frost off her sleeve, her expression calm. "She's a tough teacher, but it's worth it."

Alisan nodded, still catching her breath. "Yeah, no shortcuts with her. If you're not ready, she makes sure you will be."

Baskar chuckled. "That sounds like her alright. Tough as nails, but she knows how to bring out the best in you."

As they entered the Eternal Camp, the air buzzed with the sounds of distant conversations and the crackle of campfires. Tents of all sizes were scattered across the plains, with banners from various nomadic tribes swaying in the wind. The scent of roasted meat and fresh herbs lingered in the air, blending with the earthy aroma of the plains.

Baskar scanned the area. "Let's find a place to rest. If Dylan's headed this way, he'll show up eventually."

June nodded. "We'll need to be ready when he does. If we miss him again, who knows where he'll go next?"

They made their way through the camp, asking around for a vacant tent. A friendly tribeswoman offered them a spot near her fire, and they settled in, the warmth of the flames cutting through the cool night air.

As they rested, their eyes remained watchful, each of them hoping Dylan would appear before vanishing once more into the unknown.

Four days had passed, and there was still no sign of Dylan. The group grew restless, their hope slowly turning into unease.

Galland approached Baskar, his expression serious. "Baskar, we've got a problem. I just received a message we need to head back home immediately. Something urgent's come up."

Baskar's eyes narrowed. "What kind of problem?"

Galland lowered his voice. "It's serious enough that we can't delay. They need us back right away."

Baskar glanced at the others. "We'll have to leave the search in your hands for now. Stay sharp and keep looking for Dylan. If we finish quickly, we'll return as soon as we can."

June nodded, concern flickering in her eyes. "We'll do our best. Just be careful."

With a final nod, Baskar and Galland prepared to leave, the weight of the unknown pulling them away from the plains and back toward whatever awaited them at home.

As Galland and Baskar disappeared in a flash of light, Izzy crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Where'd they head off to?"

June glanced in the direction they had just vanished. "Galland said something urgent came up back home. They didn't give us the details."

Axel sighed, leaning against a nearby post. "Whatever it was, it must be serious if Baskar left in the middle of this."

Izzy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Let's hope they'll be alright. Guess it's just us now."

Cauis smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Great. Fewer people means less competition for glory."

June shook her head but couldn't help a small smile. "Focus, Cauis. We still need to find Dylan."

Izzy nodded. "Agreed. We'll keep searching. He's out there somewhere I can feel it."

A sudden explosion of sinister energy burst through the air, sending a shockwave across the Eternal Camp. The ground trembled beneath them, and the once lively camp fell into a tense silence. Axel and Cauis instinctively tensed, their eyes darting toward the source of the disturbance.

June's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "What… was that?"

Izzy, however, remained calm, her expression darkening. She clenched her fists, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "I know that energy."

Axel turned to her, his brows furrowed. "What do you mean you know it? Whose energy is that?"

Izzy's voice was cold and steady. "It's him… the one we've been waiting for. Dylan."

June's heart skipped a beat. "Dylan?! Then why does it feel so... wrong?"

Izzy looked at her, her face unreadable. "Because that's not his usual self. He's using the Rift's influenced form."

The group exchanged uneasy glances before breaking into a run toward the source of the energy, the ominous air growing heavier with every step.

As they arrived at the area where the sinister energy had erupted, they found the ground littered with the lifeless bodies of the serpents that had attacked them. Deep gashes and scorch marks covered the battlefield, and the air was thick with the scent of charred earth.

June knelt to inspect one of the serpents, her brow furrowing. "These things didn't stand a chance…"

Izzy's eyes scanned the scene, her expression tense. "Dylan was here." She clenched her fists. "And he didn't hold back."

Izzy crossed her arms, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Classic of him," she said. "Show up, wreck everything, and vanish without a trace."

Cauis nudged one of the serpent bodies with his foot. "Well, at least we know we're on the right track."

June glanced at the horizon, her eyes filled with concern. "But where is he?"

Izzy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Knowing him, he's already headed for the dungeon. That's my best guess."

June's eyes widened. "The one where the sword is sealed?"

Izzy nodded. "Exactly. He won't waste any time. If we hurry, we might catch him before he goes too deep."

Axel smirked. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Without hesitation, the group adjusted their course, picking up the pace toward the ancient dungeon hidden within the heart of the plains.

As they reached the entrance of the ancient dungeon, an ominous wind greeted them, carrying the scent of decay. The stone archway loomed above, carved with ancient runes barely visible beneath layers of moss and dust. Without a word, they stepped inside, their footsteps echoing through the dark, expansive halls.

A chorus of growls and hisses soon filled the air as monsters emerged from the shadows twisted creatures with glowing eyes and corrupted bodies, ready to defend the depths of the dungeon.

"Here we go," Axel muttered, cracking his knuckles.

The group moved with precision. June froze enemies in their tracks with ice magic, while Alisan shattered them with her Rapture. Cauis weaved through the chaos, slashing with swift, precise strikes, while Axel charged straight into the fray, overwhelming foes with raw strength. Izzy provided support with lightning-fast spells, keeping threats at bay.

Despite the monsters' relentless attacks, the group pushed deeper, clearing every chamber one by one until the dungeon fell silent once again.

As they entered the final chamber, their footsteps slowed, eyes widening at the sight before them. The sword rested on a stone pedestal in the center of the room, its dark blade bound tightly by thick, glowing chains. Jagged spears jutted out from the ground around it, as though something or someone had tried to keep it sealed for eternity.

June glanced around, her breath steady but wary. "This is it… but where's Dylan?"

The room was eerily quiet, save for the low hum of magic radiating from the chains. Cauis approached the pedestal, inspecting the sword carefully. "No signs of a struggle… it doesn't look like he was here."

Suddenly, the ground trembled. A massive stone guardian emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with a dark aura. With a deafening roar, it lunged at the group, its colossal arm swinging down toward them.

"Look out!" June shouted, raising a shield of ice just in time to deflect the blow.

The group braced themselves for a fight, but before they could counter, an explosion echoed through the chamber. The guardian's body shattered into pieces, crumbling to the ground with a heavy thud.

A hooded figure stepped out of the swirling dust, their footsteps echoing across the stone floor. A familiar voice cut through the silence.

"Oh? Izzy, what a surprise!" The figure lowered his hood, revealing Dylan's familiar grin. "How'd you get here before me? Took a shortcut, huh?"

Izzy crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Shortcut? You're just slow, Dylan. We've been waiting for days."

Dylan chuckled, stepping closer. "Days? C'mon, you missed me that much? I didn't think you'd bring friends, though." His eyes scanned the group, his tone still playful. "Didn't think this place needed a full party to clear it out."

As the dust settled, Dylan's playful smirk widened. His gaze landed on June first, then Cauis, and finally Alisan. "Well, well… look at this. The gang's all here."

June crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Dylan."

Cauis gave a half-smile. "Didn't think you'd show up in such dramatic fashion. Been practicing your entrances?"

Dylan shrugged. "Gotta make an impression, right?" His eyes flicked to Izzy. "But really… how'd you get here first? I thought I lost you back at the Capital of ashar."

Izzy smirked, arms still crossed. "Told you shortcut. You're just slow."

Dylan laughed, the tension in the room easing. "Yeah, yeah. I'll give you that one." His eyes drifted toward the sword on the pedestal, wrapped in chains. His smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet determination. "But… this is what ive been looking for."

Dylan's playful demeanor vanished as his hair darkened from its usual purple to an inky black, and the air around him grew heavy with an ominous energy. His once carefree aura turned suffocating and sinister, filling the chamber with palpable tension.

He took a step forward, eyes locked on the chained sword. "Submit to me… Duskreaver," his voice echoed, layered with a dark resonance that didn't feel entirely his own.

The ground trembled as the chains around the sword rattled violently, resisting his command. Dark energy swirled around the weapon, clashing with Dylan's power in a fierce struggle. The sigils etched into the chains began to crack, releasing bursts of shadowy magic.

June instinctively gripped her staff. "Dylan… what are you doing?"

Izzy's eyes narrowed, her voice steady but firm. "He's fine. Let him finish."

But Cauis took a step back, his instincts on high alert. "This doesn't look like 'fine' to me."

The final sigil shattered with a deafening crack. Darkness exploded outward, nearly knocking them off their feet. As the smoke cleared, Dylan stood tall, Duskreaver in his grasp, the blade pulsing with a menacing energy.

He turned back to the group, his black hair swaying slightly as his eyes glowed faintly. "Now… it's done."

As the smoke cleared, June's eyes locked on Dylan, her heart pounding in her chest. His darkened hair, the sinister aura surrounding him none of it mattered. Tears welled up in her eyes as anger and relief swirled together in an overwhelming storm of emotion.

Without hesitation, she walked toward him, her steps slow but deliberate. "You idiot… you absolute idiot…" Her voice trembled, but before Dylan could say anything, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.

"You were gone for so long… I thought you were dead," she whispered, her tears soaking his shirt. Her shoulders shook as the sobs she had held back for days finally broke free.

Dylan blinked, caught off guard. For a moment, the weight of his dark energy lifted, his hardened expression softening. He gently rested a hand on her back, his voice quieter than usual. "Hey… I'm right here, June. I'm not going anywhere."

The others watched in silence, the tension in the room replaced by something far more human. Even Izzy crossed her arms and smiled faintly.

"About time you slowed down," Izzy muttered, her tone playful but warm.

Cauis leaned against the wall, smirking. "Well, that's one way to welcome him back."

June didn't care about any of that. She just held onto him tighter, refusing to let go. "Promise me… no more disappearing without telling us."

Dylan hesitated for a second before nodding. "I promise."

June pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. Her gaze stayed locked on Dylan's, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have no idea how worried we were."

Dylan gave her a small, reassuring smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I didn't mean to make you worry… things just got complicated." He glanced at the sword on the pedestal. "But I had to make sure I finished what I started."

June's eyes flickered toward the sword for a moment before returning to him. "I don't care about the sword… I just care that you're safe."

For a brief moment, the world felt still just the two of them in the vast, ancient chamber.