After a long sprint through the trembling streets of Gondalwa, Rawin and Valien finally reached the towering roots of the White Greever Tree.
"Hey, Valien, do you even know where the relic is kept?" Rawin asked breathlessly.
"I've heard rumors," Valien replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "The sacred relic is said to rest beneath the deepest roots of the tree."
"Then we'd better hurry before it's too late," Rawin urged.
They dashed into the hollow pathways within the great tree. The tunnels were eerily silent—no guards, no voices, only the hum of magic resonating through the bark. Everyone with combat ability had already joined the battle on the front lines—except, perhaps, the relic keepers.
At last, they reached the lower sanctum, where two figures stood in front of a heavy, rune-carved gate.
"Stop right there!" barked a muscular man whose presence alone radiated authority. "Move even an inch closer, and your heads will roll."
His companion—man with an elegant yet cold —added sharply,
"This is a restricted area. Outsiders have no business here."
"Please," Rawin said urgently, raising his hands. "We have permission—look!"
"Permission is revoked," the man interrupted. "Given the chaos outside, no one is allowed in."
"Rawin!" Valien hissed. "Show them the insignia—now! We don't have time!"
Rawin pulled out the White insignia of Elder Kaelith, holding it up high.
"This isn't just a letter—it's Kaelith's own insignia. If you truly serve the Elders, you'll know what that means."
"Wait, Zarlea… isn't that—?"
"Yes," Zarlea—whispered, startled. "The insignia of Elder Kaelith. It can't be forged. Only he himself could have given it."
After a tense moment, both guards stepped aside and knelt slightly.
"Our apologies, envoys of Elder Kaelith," said the man, Yarsl. "You may enter. Take whatever relics you require."
"Thank you," Rawin said, relieved. "Come on, Valien."
They stepped through the gate—and the air changed instantly. The world around them shimmered, shifting from rough wood and roots to a vast chamber of glowing vines and floating lights. It was like stepping into another realm entirely.
"Valien… are we still inside the tree?" Rawin asked, awestruck.
Valien looked around, equally amazed. "I… don't think this is a normal space anymore."
They began searching the chamber. Valien's eyes fell on a long, ruby-red sword with intricate engravings.
"This one's perfect," he said, smirking. "Strong aura, perfect weight. What about you?"
"I'm still looking," Rawin muttered, scanning the room.
"Hurry, Rawin! We don't have much time," Valien urged.
Then, something caught Rawin's eye—a simple wooden bow, carved from what seemed like an ordinary Greever branch. He frowned.
"What's this doing here? It looks… too plain."
He reached out and touched it.
Instantly, a flash of light enveloped them. When the glow faded, they found themselves back near the entrance.
"My apologies for recalling you so suddenly," Yarsl said hurriedly. "The Glossy Beasts have breached the outer defenses. We must seal the relic chamber now."
"It's fine—we got what we needed," Valien said, glancing at Rawin—then froze. "Wait… you picked that? A wooden bow?"
Rawin scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Heh. Guess I did."
"This isn't the time for jokes," Zarlea snapped. "All of you, to the battlefield—now!"
They rushed out together. Yarsl quickly issued orders.
"Zarlea, take the eastern flank—it's the weakest point. Rawin, Valien, guard the western evacuation route."
"We can each handle a side," Valien said confidently.
"This isn't a contest," Yarsl warned. "This is war. You fight together. Zarlea can handle her sector alone—she's strong enough. You two aren't."
Rawin nodded. "Understood, Sir Yarsl. We'll guard the west as ordered. What about the north and south?"
"They're already covered by Elder Kaelith's and Elder Merinel's units," Yarsl replied. "Javier and Neista are leading them."
"Javier and Neista?" Rawin's eyes lit up. "Then we're in good hands."
Without wasting another second, Rawin and Valien sprinted toward the western side of the village.
At the evacuation zone, Guardian Alson was shouting orders to the remaining villagers.
"Lord Rawin! Lord Valien! Most of the civilians have fled. Only a few remain."
"Excellent," Rawin replied. "Finish the last group and pull back. We'll hold this line."
"Yes, my lords!" Alson answered before hurrying off.
Moments later, a swarm of Glossy Beasts—lesser Alp and Greater-class—burst through the trees.
Rawin grinned. "Hey, Valien. Think you can keep up? Let's see who kills more."
"Hah! You'll be eating my dust again," Valien smirked, raising his crimson blade.
"Haha, just don't faint this time," Rawin teased.
They charged together—wind and flame intertwining like storm and thunder. Valien's relic sword blazed crimson arcs through the beasts, while Rawin's bow glimmered faintly each time he drew it. Arrows of glowing wind cut through enemies faster than eyes could follow.
"See, Rawin?" Valien shouted mid-battle. "This is what a real relic looks like!"
But Rawin only smiled as another beast fell to his silent, wind-wrapped arrow.
Before they could continue, Yarsl's voice echoed through their insignias.
"All Silver and Gold Hunters, report to the western sector immediately! This is an emergency!"
Valien frowned. "What's going on now?"
"No idea," Rawin said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let's move!"
They regrouped with dozens of other hunters. Yarsl stood at the front, his expression grave.
"Everyone, listen carefully!" he shouted. "I just received word from Chief Warsen—there are two Ancien Glossy Beasts. The Elders are engaging one, but the second has slipped past the frontlines. It's heading straight for the village!"
The crowd erupted in panic.
"We're doomed!"
"Two of them!?"
"I haven't even confessed to my crush yet!"
"I'm too young to die!"
"Silence!" Zarlea snapped, her aura flaring. "We'll hold the line!"
Neista stepped forward. "We are the shields of Gondalwa. Stay strong!"
Javier drew his blade. "Together, we can make this stand."
Rawin and Valien exchanged glances before shouting in unison,
"Better to die as hunters—than to live as cowards!"
Their words reignited the spirit of every soldier present. Shouts of courage echoed across the battlefield as they prepared for what could be their final stand.
Valien turned to Rawin, smirking softly. "Hey… if this really is the end, I'm glad I met you, brother."
Rawin clenched his fist. "Don't say that. We're walking out of this alive."
Above them, the sky darkened, and the ground began to shake.
The Ancien Glossy Beast—its obsidian body gleaming like glass—emerged from the mist, towering over the burning treetops. Its roar split the heavens, shaking every heart to its core.
No one knew if this was the end…
or merely the beginning of a new storm yet to come.