The cart rolled steadily along the dirt road toward Qanbarash, the horizon painted in shades of amber by the descending sun. Conversation had been light, almost absent, until Kael suddenly pulled on the reins, making the cart screech to a stop.
"Hold up," Kael said, his eyes narrowing at a tall building marked with a crest of crossed blades and a golden flame. "That's an adventurer's guild."
He turned toward the group with a sheepish grin. "Mind if I upgrade my card? It's long overdue."
Lior sighed but nodded. "Alright. We all could use a break anyway."
Junia stretched her arms and smiled. "A little rest won't hurt."
Tieu adjusted her hood. "Let's just not take too long."
Together they dismounted and entered the guild hall. Inside, the air buzzed with chatter—adventurers laughing, clinking mugs, and discussing missions. Yet as soon as Michi stepped through the door, silence fell. Heads turned. The guild master himself, a tall man with white long hair streaked with silver, strode directly toward him, his eyes sharp and assessing.
Without hesitation, the man stopped before Michi. "So… master Henu has sent him," he said, almost to himself. His gaze swept across the others. "All of you, follow me. Now."
The group exchanged startled glances.
Inside the guild master's office, the atmosphere was quieter but tense. The man settled into a heavy chair behind his desk and gestured for them to sit.
"I am Noah Anders Dahl," he introduced, voice calm but authoritative. "Guild master of Qanbarash City."
Michi blinked. "Henu…master Henu contacted you?"
"Yes," Noah replied firmly. "He told me he was sending someone—someone who could help our king with the crisis of the kidnapped children. It seems that someone… is you."
Shock rippled across the group. Junia's hand covered her mouth. Lior leaned forward, brows furrowed. "So this is bigger than we thought."
Michi lowered his gaze briefly, then nodded. "If it's Henu's will, then I won't turn away. I'll help."
The others murmured in agreement.
"Good," Noah said, satisfied. He stood. "Then there's no time to waste. You must reach the palace. But not through the main gates—too many eyes there. Use the secret alley instead." He clapped his hands. "Zyara, come here, dear."
A young woman entered, her steps light and graceful. She bowed deeply. "Yes, Master Noah. I will guide them."
Kael immediately leaned forward, flashing his trademark grin. "Well, hello there, Zyara. You're looking beautiful. Where are you from, if I may ask?"
Zyara straightened, her voice polite but cool. "I am from Cuetzallan."
Before Kael could say more, Lior grabbed his ear and twisted it hard. "Someone is forgetting Tiana."
"Ah! Ahhh! Sorry! Sorry!" Kael yelped in pain, struggling.
Veynar and Veylika chuckled quietly, exchanging a knowing glance. Even in tense times, small moments of humor still slipped through.
Guided by Zyara, they weaved through narrow side streets, past quiet houses and closed market stalls, until the looming silhouette of the palace rose before them. Its tall spires gleamed faintly in the dying sunlight, its gates grand yet quiet.
As they stepped into the palace courtyard, Michi froze.
There, a boy with small but strong wings was sparring, his sword clashing against a training dummy. Sweat glistened on his brow, determination in his eyes.
A commanding voice rang out from the steps. "Canberas, practice properly, my son."
Michi's heart leapt. The voice—it was unmistakable. His mouth moved before he could stop himself. "NULIUS!!"
The boy paused mid-swing, startled. From the steps descended a towering man with broad wings, his presence overwhelming yet familiar. His gaze locked on Michi—and then softened into something like recognition.
"Michi," Nulius said, stepping closer. "So it's true… Henu sent you."
The others turned in shock.
"You two know each other?" Junia whispered.
Michi's eyes narrowed, his voice steady but tinged with old memories. "We fought once. He was powerful—too powerful. He nearly bit my entire head off."
He stepped forward, looking Nulius dead in the eye. "So why not fight now? What's stopping you?"
Nulius' wings drooped slightly. His face, once fierce, carried the weight of sorrow. "Because we can't, Michi. Not anymore."
Michi frowned. "What do you mean?"
With a heavy sigh, Nulius gestured to his wings, his body. "We cannot transform into our dragon forms. The being's power—it has stripped us of it. We are bound to these half-forms, weaker, trapped. Against Drango, against the Arklight Guild… we are powerless."
Silence followed. The revelation struck like thunder.
"That's why we seek your help," Nulius continued. "Our kingdom is being torn apart, our children stolen, and we cannot fight as we once did. That is why Henu sent you—to be the strength we lack."
Michi felt his chest tighten. The proud dragon he once battled, now shackled by forces greater than even his might.
Nulius turned, gesturing toward the grand doors of the palace. "Come. All of you. There is someone inside who can tell you more. Someone who knows the histories of this world better than any of us."
He glanced back once at his son. "Canberas, keep practicing."
"Yes, Father," the boy groaned, though his determination didn't waver.
As they followed Nulius deeper into the palace, the weight of destiny pressed heavier on Michi's shoulders. The dragons had fallen, the Arklight Guild had risen, and the being's hand could be felt in every shadow.
And somewhere within these walls, answers awaited.