"No victims this time! Please, no victims this time!" Hiner thought as he ran through the streets of Foscor, his black cloak billowing in the wind. The fire at the Grandiose Hotel had been a very bold and risky gamble, but he was willing to spend all his chips on this gambit. Maybe he should have reduced the spell's power, perhaps he could have created a small fire focus. The alternatives were many, but he did what he could. His reasoning was impaired dealing directly with a Warrior of Destiny.

His heart raced as he recalled his encounter with Hadria. Hiner stopped running to catch his breath. He hadn't expected to be so nervous, but the lack of preparation worsened the situation. Everything was going so well that he never imagined he would need to intervene so directly and so soon. However, for his grand plan to succeed, the young Witch needed to leave Foscor. There was no other option. This improvisation made Hiner act recklessly.

Now, Hadria, and consequently the other Warriors of Destiny, knew that he didn't have just one Class. Despite his attempts to make it look well-rehearsed, it was all just a silly mistake. Living in hiding, he had become accustomed to healing himself whenever he got hurt, making it almost instinctive. However, as he sorted his thoughts, he could see how this new information could be beneficial and even advantageous.

In the end, what mattered was that the group was back on track, heading to Dunascas. They had a long journey ahead, and Hiner would need to keep a close eye on this team prone to danger. Always hidden, always behind the curtains, but always vigilant. And with each passing day, he knew that everything was getting closer and closer to Baruc.

"Oh, Baruc," Hiner thought. "You're very powerful, but you're so predictable. Especially to me, right?" And he chuckled mentally.

To avoid thinking about the destruction he had just caused, Hiner began to imagine what he would do when he finally came face to face with the wealthy businessman. "Baruc certainly remembers our last encounter, so many years ago. I definitely haven't forgotten," Hiner thought, with a wicked smile on his face.

***

A few hours after the flames were controlled, Foscor was still dealing with the consequences of the massive fire. The city would take many, many days to return to even a semblance of normality. There was a lot of dirt and debris that marred the perfection of the streets and houses, covering several neighborhoods with thick, foul-smelling soot. The day was beginning, so to speak, as there was no sunrise, but the residents and workers were already hard at work repairing what they could. The streets were being washed and swept, pieces of the hotel were being placed in carts pulled by Lebretons, Carpenters, and Blacksmiths arrived at the hotel in the hope of being hired for the reconstruction. The Grandiose was, after all, part of Foscor's history.

After helping some wounded and frightened people, the four Hunters gathered their belongings and looked for a place to talk. Hadria said she needed to talk to her friends more privately. So they met in a bakery a few blocks from the hotel. The place was fancy, situated on a corner, with some tables on the sidewalk. The storefront displayed various types of bread and many different pastries, each one looking more delicious than the last. After a waitress left their order on the table and walked away, Aestus asked:

"What do you mean you attacked Hiner? Didn't he kill you right away?"

"No, he just wanted to destroy the hotel, it seems. And I didn't even know it was him when I cast a spell on him. I thought he was a burglar or something. It was only after I cast the spell that I saw who he was. Oh, and he said the next attack would be in Dunascas."

"Dunascas?" Aestus asked, even though he had heard perfectly well what was said. "Why would he go there? There are only Magnors in that region. He has no reason to attack a people who have already suffered so much."

"I don't know, but he made a point of passing this information on to me. But that's not the weirdest part," and Hadria fell silent, trying to process what she was about to report herself.

"By the ear of the Lebreton, woman! Don't keep it a mystery now" Spes said, eager to know what else could have happened in this meeting with Hiner. The Witch leaned forward, followed by the others.

"He called me by name,"Hadria whispered. "He knew who I was. It wasn't a random attack."

The others remained silent, trying to understand what this might mean. Hiner clearly didn't want to kill Hadria; he could have done it with a snap of his fingers. He had another goal in mind for showing up in Foscor, but nothing seemed to make much sense. Even before their friends could digest this information, Hadria added:

"And there's something even stranger. My spell made a cut on his face," she said, with a slight tone of pride in her voice, but pausing for a moment, thinking about how to say the rest without sounding like a lie. "Then he paralyzed me on the spot, put his hand on the cut, and healed himself."

Orkan spat out the juice he was drinking, coughing as he choked. Aestus and Spes exchanged incredulous glances. Hadria knew this would be their reaction, feeling slightly irritated but not in the mood to convince them. Whether they believed her or not, she had no way to prove what she was saying.

"He must have used a potion, and you got confused," Orkan said, returning to his sandwich, leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, there must be some explanation for this," Aestus said, concerned for Hadria's mental health.

"I saw what I saw," Hadria said, without changing her tone, sipping her coffee.

Spes was about to say something but changed his mind, putting a finger to his lips and looking down. He knew he would regret saying what he thought, but it was stronger than him.

"What if Hiner is the Oracle?"

"Spes!" Aestus and Orkan exclaimed together, indignant.

"Again with this, rabbit? All this nonsense all the time," Orkan said, while Aestus put his hand on his forehead, shaking his head, sighing.

"What do you mean, Oracle?" Hadria asked, curious.

"No, Hadria. Don't embark this Mage's trip," Aestus said, leaning back in his chair and waving his hands.

"I'm curious to hear your theory, Spes."

Excited to finally have someone willing to listen to his machinations, the Lagomorph left his half-eaten croissant on his plate and began speaking rapidly, gesticulating fervently:

"So, follow my reasoning: what if Hiner actually has a much larger plan, looking towards the future? Not to justify everything he does, but that would explain his seemingly random attacks and sudden appearances. And now, knowing that he can use abilities from at least two different Classes, everything makes more sense. He must be trying to achieve some specific goal."

"And what's the goal of setting fire to the Grandiose Hotel? Annoy Cornelia?" Orkan asked impatiently.

"He said he was helping me..." Hadria said, thoughtfully. The Witch took a sip of her coffee and placed the cup on the table, staring at the black liquid and thinking about how to formulate the next sentences. "I think he's trying to gather... Our group."

The Knight and the Rogue were clearly confused, with confused looks on their faces. Spes, on the other hand, had his green eyes shining, on the same mental wavelength as Hadria, following her reasoning. The Lagomorph had a smile on his face, connecting the pieces in his mind, everything now making sense.

"So, you noticed it too!"

"It wasn't particularly hard to notice, let's face it," Hadria said in her straightforward manner. "Aestus, Orkan... You also felt a strong affinity with me, right?" The two young men nodded. "So, if it was just that, it would already be strange because I don't feel affinity with anyone. But there's one more thing we have in common. Something peculiar..."

Orkan glanced at Aestus, who shrugged, completely lost. Hadria sighed and rolled her eyes. Spes couldn't contain himself and completed the thought

"Our crystals! The ones without magical properties!"

"Hold on, you guys have one too?" Aestus asked, furrowing his brow, trying to remember if he had seen the others' crystals.

Hadria and Spes materialized their respective weapons. The black crystal on the Witch's grimoire cover subtly glowed, pulsating at the same rate as the white stone at the tip of the Mage's staff. Aestus presented his sword next, noticing that the blue crystal at the base of its hilt also emitted a faint light. The Knight was open-mouthed, finally realizing this unlikely coincidence, while Orkan had his arms crossed, his brow furrowed, reluctant to believe in all this.

"I just haven't seen yours yet, Orkan," Hadria said, leaning her elbows on the table, with her grimoire floating beside her head. "But I bet everything I have that you also have one of these crystals."

The three Hunters stared at the Rogue, who turned his head and avoided eye contact. Reluctantly, he reached into his shirt and pulled out the necklace he always wore. The small green crystal lit up the palm of his hand, gently warming his skin. Orkan didn't want to believe in that far-fetched theory. It didn't make sense. He had only left Comanse because he wanted to make quick money (and feel a little excitement).

"But what does this mean?" Aestus said, still surprised, but now with a smile on his face, like a child learning new things.

"I know it may sound kind of absurd, but..." Spes said, scratching his head, reasoning. "What if, in fact, we are..."

"The Warriors of Destiny," Hadria interrupted her friend. The two looked at each other, again sharing the same logic. Spes was extremely happy to finally find someone who shared his craziness.

"Oh my goodnes gracious... Guys..." Orkan intervened, putting his necklace back under his shirt. He was visibly impatient with all this talk. "This makes no sense. Let's suppose we really are the Warriors of Destiny (which I don't believe exist), what's the point of Hiner gathering us?! Is he gathering people to defeat himself? Everyone knows he's the biggest threat in Kairos."

Spes was going to try to argue with a different logic but thought it best to keep his explanation to himself. Orkan was already irritated enough. However, Hadria did not agree with the Rogue's skepticism, retorting:

"You experience the incursion of Creatures that happens regularly here, emerging from mysterious portals. You use abilities that defy logic and physics. You are in a city that disrespects day and night. But for you, you draw the limit at a legend that's been told for many years. Frankly, Orkan... Many things happen in Kairos that don't make sense. This wouldn't be much different."

"And if Hiner really is the Oracle," Aestus said, still trying to accept this alternative, "we wouldn't know his real motives. Maybe he's not our target after all..."

"Enough! Keeping this conversation up will only make me mad," Orkan complained, avoiding the discussion, knowing that his arguments had been rebutted. "I just want to know how we're going to get to Dunascas, since this fake 'Oracle' said he would show up there."

The group changed the subject, trying to devise a plan and an itinerary to reach the paradisiacal seaside city of Dunascas. Besides the great distance, another obstacle hindered the trip there. The entire region had controlled access, not allowed for anyone who wanted to go. The territory was exclusively dedicated to Magnors, a race that didn't mix with others, but not because they were antisocial or anything like that. Their relationship with Humanoids, Lagomorphs, and Minatis was marked by a lot of pain, injustice, and resentment.

The Magnors were individuals of great stature and physical strength, but with limited intellectual development, struggling to communicate properly. As a result, other races considered them as inferior beings with no chance of integrating into the so-called advanced society. However, their robustness and vigor made them excellent laborers, capable of performing heavy tasks that would be nearly impossible for Minati or Lagomorphs. Consequently, the process of enslaving and objectifying the Magnors occurred naturally in Kairos' history, from the perspective of its inhabitants.

Men, women, and children were traded as commodities, used like animals or machines. Few felt bad or guilty about having a Magnor enslaved at home or at work. Some groups advocating for the Magnors' release did pop up, but they were ridiculed and quickly rejected. This situation lasted for many years until something changed. It wasn't a peaceful process.

No one knows exactly how and when, but some Magnors started to rebel, refusing to perform certain tasks and confronting other races. However, this rebellion was met with significant violence, historically known as the Magnor Uprising. Groups established camps and hideouts in forests and mountains, organizing to fight for their freedom. Many were hunted down and killed, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers. It was believed that the entire race would have been extinct if the conflict had continued for much longer. Yet this disaster was averted.

A group of wealthy and influential individuals, led by a young Baruc, intervened and put an end to the violence. Aid and financial compensation were offered, particularly to farmers, to gain acceptance for the proposal. Moreover, the popularization of machines built by Baruc's companies facilitated the work previously done by the Magnors. An awareness and reconciliation campaign was launched, with persuasive speakers and emotional appeals that reached the masses. Older people, accustomed to exploiting the Magnors, were more challenging to convince but were eventually placated.

To avoid any confrontation, the majority of the southwestern peninsula was handed over to the Magnors, where they could live in peace, isolated but protected from any attacks by disgruntled citizens. According to news bulletins and reports, the Magnors managed to build several prosperous communes, as well as the relatively large city of Dunascas, where most of the population lived. Merchants and volunteer groups had temporary access permitted, but with controlled and regulated traffic. Therefore, the journey to Dunascas wouldn't just be a long and arduous trip. Meticulous plans and strategies needed to be devised to avoid unforeseen events.

"I think we first need to catch a train to Reganta," Aestus said, pointing out the route on an open map on the table. Everyone had finished eating and was now looking intently at where the Knight was indicating. "In the capital, we buy a ticket to the southern peninsula, but then we sneak into Dunascas. It's a risky plan, but I believe we can give it a try."

"If anything, I'll use my charm to fool any guard or inspector," said Orkan, flashing his characteristic shameless grin. "It'll be a piece of cake, trust me."

Despite believing in Orkan's potential, Spes didn't have much patience for the Rogue's excessive self-confidence. Trying to focus on the mission, the Lagomorph said:

"How are we going to communicate with the Magnors? Explain the reason for our visit? I think that part might be the most challenging, actually."

"I've never even seen a Magnor in person, but I've heard that talking to them is a difficult task," Aestus added, resting his chin on his hand.

"Talking to dumb people is indeed difficult," Orkan said, crossing his arms.

"Show some respect, Orkan," Hadria scolded, but without raising her voice. "They are people like us."

The Rogue apologized, raising his palms to the sides of his face. It was hard to erase the prejudiced view that many held. The ignorance and communication incapacity of the Magnors were characteristics reported by many travelers and older individuals, being the main feature of the race from the perspective of others. To this day, no one knows exactly how they managed, years ago, to reach an agreement with them and explain where they should reside. Baruc's cunning was the most popular explanation among the theories.

After clearing up a few more of the travel details, Orkan asked the waitress for the bill. Everyone looked at Hadria, having become accustomed to her covering almost all the group's expenses. This time, however, she didn't offer to pay anything, flipping idly through her grimoire. Spes cleared his throat, drawing his friend's attention. Hadria looked around, trying to understand the situation. She simply said, indifferent:

"I don't have any more money. My parents will use our savings to rebuild the hotel. We'll have to go on some hunts to gather resources."

The three men felt embarrassed, realizing how lazy they had been. They promptly covered the meal's cost and tried to awkwardly explain themselves. Hadria, however, didn't seem offended or upset, handling the situation naturally and maintaining her typically expressionless gaze. With the situation resolved, the group set in motion the plans they had outlined, organizing for the first leg of their journey.

They split up to optimize their time, each handling specific tasks. Spes went to purchase provisions and potions, Orkan was responsible for gathering enough money to cover expenses, Aestus inquired about train tickets and schedules, and Hadria went to bid farewell to her parents and siblings, seeking a proper closure to this phase of her life.

Returning to the hotel's ruins, the young Witch found her mother giving orders to some people energetically, alongside her sister Taera, who had regained her air of superiority after recovering from the shock of the previous night. Meanwhile, her father was seated at an improvised table, seemingly interviewing job applicants. Her brother Jenis was diligently organizing their father's desk, trying to prevent the usual chaos it usually held.

"I'm getting ready to leave, Dad," Hadria said, approaching where the two men were working. For the first time in years, Vasimo seemed more lively, almost like a regular person. He got up and hugged his daughter tightly, and she reciprocated, though somewhat more reserved.

"Your place was never here. I always knew that. But your mother is a difficult person to deal with, you know," her father said, holding Hadria by the shoulders in front of him. If he had been more present, maybe she wouldn't have spent so much time under Cornelia's control.

Next, Jenis came over to his sister, wearing his characteristic broad smile that made him look so handsome and friendly. He was very proud and happy for her, unable to hide his feelings.

"Take care out there," Jenis said without letting go of his sister in the comfortable embrace. "I know you're excellent at what you do, but still take care. I love you so much."

"Don't worry, Jenis," Hadria's voice sounded muffled since her face was pressed against her brother's shoulder. She lifted her head afterward and whispered in his ear: "I think I might need your help in a few days, is that okay?" Jenis released his sister from the embrace, looking puzzled at her. Before he could ask anything, Hadria interrupted him: "Just be vigilant. You don't need to worry."

The young man only nodded and patted the top of her head, knowing he wouldn't get any more information out of her. Hadria said her goodbyes to her brother, her expression as unreadable as ever, and then headed toward her mother and sister. Her heart raced in her chest, unsure of what might happen. What if Cornelia changed her mind suddenly? Would it be better for her to leave without saying goodbye? Thoughts raced through Hadria's mind, but she couldn't just leave without speaking to the other two women in her family.

"Taera, I need to go. My friends are almost ready," the young woman said, approaching her sister, who looked her up and down with her nose in the air. Taera held a clipboard in one arm and a pen in the other, jotting down notes for their mother.

"I still don't understand why you want to go wandering around, getting yourself into danger, fighting, and, worse, getting all dirty," Taera said, her disgust clearly visible. However, she then cracked a small smile while looking at her sister. "But I know it will make you happy, so I guess I'm happy about it too."

The two sisters embraced briefly, and when they pulled apart, Taera instinctively brushed her clothes with her hand. Despite their differences, Hadria felt that there was an unspoken sibling affection between them. They didn't need to understand each other to have respect and admiration.

Looking to her side, Hadria saw her mother still shouting orders to men twice her size, undeterred. The Witch took a deep breath and walked toward the matriarch with determined steps. However, when she reached her mother's side, Hadria hesitated about interrupting her, fearing her reaction. Cornelia, upon seeing her daughter, raised her arm and ordered everyone around to stop, and they immediately complied. She turned her attention to Hadria, ready to listen to whatever she had to say.

"Mother, I'm leaving. I came to say goodbye to all of you."

"Oh, my daughter. Thank you for coming to talk to me," Cornelia said, with tears in her eyes. Only now did Hadria notice how frail and tired her mother looked. Age was evident in the wrinkles on her face and the white strands in her hair, which seemed to have appeared recently. Maybe these details had always been there, but Hadria now saw her mother as a person and not just as a hotel manager, an unemotional entity.

"I was afraid to talk to you. I thought you might change your mind," Hadria said, in a burst of honesty. Seeing her mother like this, she felt the need to reveal her vulnerability.

"I'm very scared of losing you, Hadria. That's why I never let you be free. But I think I've handled this all wrong," Cornelia said, hugging her daughter, placing her head on her chest and stroking her long hair. "My parents, your grandparents, they were just like you, you know? They loved adventure, were natural Hunters. They couldn't wait for me to join them on their hunts. But I was too scared, and I still am. It seemed like I would only matter to them if I joined the battles."

Hadria felt warm drops falling onto her head. Cornelia let the tears flow freely, no longer caring about maintaining her image as a stern and unshakeable leader. Whenever the topic of family was brought up, her mother always deflected any questions or inquiries. Now, everything was starting to make sense.

"I was very lonely, wandering through the hotel," Cornelia continued, her gaze distant. "My grandparents taught me everything I needed to know to manage our property. They had a deep love for the hotel and what it represented, which I easily absorbed. My parents disappeared during one of their hunts. Nobody knows exactly what happened; they never found their bodies or any sign of them. I waited for them for days. I felt abandoned, lost. I found solace in the halls and rooms of the Grandiose."

"I didn't want you to have the same fate as them," Cornelia continued. "I really thought I was protecting you from that. I thought you'd come running back in fear after I gave you that mission in the mines. I thought you'd realize how dangerous all of this is, but I was wrong, and I didn't want to face the truth. I didn't want to accept that you're braver than I am."

"But you managed the hotel without any hesitation," Hadria said, moving her face away from her mother's chest and looking into her eyes. "Everything ran perfectly because you weren't afraid to give orders to others, to worry about what they'd think."

"Being feared is much easier than being fearless, Hadria," Cornelia said, letting out a short laugh. "But now, go on, continue your journey. Don't forget to send word. And give my regards to Hiner when you're annihilating him."

The two women shared a long, tight hug and said their goodbyes. Finally, Hadria felt like that chapter of her journey was closed, allowing her to move forward without any lingering ties. As agreed, she made her way to the train station to meet the others. Foscor was connected by railway lines to various nearby cities, but the most significant traffic was headed towards Reganta, the continent's largest city. It had been a while since she had visited the capital, which must have grown significantly in the meantime. However, their stay there would be brief, serving only as a transfer point, with little opportunity for sightseeing and exploration.

Upon arriving at the station, Hadria found Aestus, who had already purchased all the tickets and was waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. She told him that she had managed to say goodbye to her family, without going into too much detail. Aestus, being polite, didn't want to ask too many questions to avoid intruding into the girl's personal matters. He sat on a bench while Hadria strolled the platforms, admiring the large trains that arrived and departed.

The station was grand, with a shiny black tile floor and wide corridors. The ticket booths were positioned right in the middle, between the platforms and the entrance. The ceiling was high, with exposed metal beams and roofing. A cool breeze flowed freely through the station, making the air slightly chilly but still pleasant. The trains were of different colors, indicating their destinations, making it easier for passengers to identify which one to board. This was a different sight in Foscor, where everything was predominantly black and white.

In no time, Spes and Orkan arrived at the station together. The Lagomorph needed assistance carrying everything he had purchased for the journey. They now had new, more comfortable and secure tents, a reasonable amount of food, and various useful potions. Spes had also bought weapon and armor repair kits sold by the Blacksmiths, which they could use to fix their gear after battles. It was like a small, portable blacksmith shop they could take with them, although not as efficient as a live Blacksmith.

Soon after they sorted out their belongings, a sounding signal announced that the train they were taking was ready for boarding. The group made their way to the appropriate queue, where they saw Lagomorphs, Humanoids, and particularly Minatis. Orkan wondered what it would be like if Magnors were part of society. Given his height, he already struggled to fit into some spaces; he could only imagine how challenging it would be for the massive Magnors. Kairos was not a fair and equal world for everyone. Some Minatis faced similar difficulties depending on where they went. Empathy was not a well-developed trait in this world.

The group boarded and easily found their compartments. The interior of the train was spacious, with some carriages designated for cabins and others only for rows of seats. The journey would take more than a day, so they would need at least some comfort to arrive well-rested. They decided to occupy two cabins. Aestus wanted to save some money, so he thought it wouldn't be a problem for Hadria to share a cabin with Spes.

"I think it would be better for Hadria to have a bit of privacy, don't you think?" The Lagomorph asked, looking hesitantly in Hadria's direction. The three men were talking in the corridor of one of the carriages while Hadria was peering into one of the cabins, apparently unaware that they were discussing her. Concerned that he might have done something wrong, Aestus called out to her to see if she had any issues with the arrangement.

"Hadria? Do you mind sharing the cabin with Spes? If you do, I can run to check if there's another one available." However, as he said this, the train began to move, initiating their journey.

The Witch, a bit absent-minded, returned her attention to the group. She had a wide and genuine smile on her lips and in her gaze. Orkan was even startled, shrinking back upon seeing Hadria with that expression on her face. The other two were also perplexed to see the girl, who had been apathetic before but was now clearly radiant.

"Huh? Ah, yeah, no problem. I don't mind sharing the cabin with him. I really like Spes," she said, now almost skipping along the corridor and looking around with lightness in her movements.

"Hadria, are you okay? Is it really you?" Spes asked, one of his ears lifting in confusion.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" She turned towards the other three, playing with her hair in the air.

"It's just that you're... smiling." Orkan said, unsure of how to feel.

"It's just that I really like trains, that's all," and she continued down the corridor, humming an impromptu tune about her favorite mode of transportation.

The three men exchanged bewildered glances. They were about to say something and gave up at the same time. At that moment, they completely abandoned trying to understand this peculiar girl, busying themselves with arranging their belongings in the cabins where they would stay. Two simple but soft beds occupied most of the space in the room, with storage space underneath them. Small windows mitigated the feeling of being in a relatively tight space, allowing a pleasant breeze to enter and providing a lovely view of the outside.

The journey proceeded peacefully, taking several hours. The Hunters took advantage of the time to have extensive conversations, play cards, and nap, while the train tirelessly traveled on its tracks. The food served was somewhat bland but not inedible, at least serving its purpose. During the journey, they passed through different small towns and landscapes, first crossing a narrow mountainous region located to the south of Foscor, eventually reaching the wide Madiam River at nightfall, which separated the north and south of the continent.

The four adventurers prepared for sleep, brushed their teeth, and settled in. Aestus and Orkan fell asleep quickly, as they usually did, while Spes and Hadria had a long conversation before drifting off, each in their own bed under the soft covers. The Mage had become accustomed to the Witch's new personality, cheerful and making the most of every minute of the journey.

"Oh, I can't even explain, Spes. When I use the spells, I get this urge to burst out laughing, I want to see the Creatures vanish," Hadria said, lying down and looking at the ceiling of the cabin, which was dimly lit by a small crystal. She yawned extensively but continued: "It's like something takes over me. I know I'm strange, but... It's not something I do on purpose. And, when you heal, how do you know which part of the body needs healing? You make it look so easy."

"Well, I always need to assess the patient's condition first. That's why you'll always see me touching the side of my head like this," and Spes made the characteristic gesture, "before using the magic. After that, it's just a matter of concentration and practice. Nothing too complicated.

"You make it sound so easy. I need to be really focused to use my spells," and she yawned again.  "I'm sorry, I'm so sleepy. I think it must be nice to be able to heal others, but I prefer to attack the Creatures. It's much more... Why are you looking at me like that?"

Spes was lying on his side, looking at the little Witch with just his head uncovered. He had a goofy smile and happy eyes, not caring that he was caught admiring his friend.

"I like you so much, Hadria. I also like Aestus and Orkan, but I identify with you the most," Spes said, lying on his back and looking away, a bit embarrassed to express himself so openly. "You're like a sister I never had. Actually, the sister I wish I had. I also admire you a lot. You're very determined, straightforward, you know? I wish I could be more like that. I still care a lot about what people think of me..." And Spes fell silent for a moment, reflecting. Then he turned to Hadria and said: "Promise me that you won't..."

Upon seeing that his roommate had fallen asleep, Spes stopped his sentence halfway. He felt a bit relieved, fearing what might have been said in his moment of vulnerability. Some things, he figured, he needed to keep to himself, at least for now. The Mage made sure Hadria was indeed asleep, turned off the light, and settled in to sleep as well. As he pondered whether his concerns were unfounded or not, he drifted off.

***

Aestus, having woken up very early as the first rays of sunlight illuminated his cabin, couldn't sleep any longer due to the anxious thoughts swirling in his mind. He stretched and, since the cabin was rather tight, inadvertently knocked his arms against the walls. The gentle and rhythmic snoring of Orkan was actually quite relaxing, and the constant noise of the train's wheels on the tracks provided a soothing background. The cabin's interior was a bit chilly, which was perfect for sleeping bundled up in the soft blankets that somewhat compensated for the somewhat thin mattress. However, the anxiety was keeping him from shutting off his mind.

He had never imagined that he would leave Comanse and find himself involved in an adventure of this scale. In just a few days, they had come face to face with Baruc and had almost direct conflicts with Hiner. Twice! Not to mention the various dangers they had encountered, nearly dying on several occasions. The irregular hunt of the Flaming Deer (which still made him feel a bit guilty), the semi-fatal encounter with the Necrobear, the attack on Silvi, the battle against the Giant Bulb, the mission in the mines, and, most recently, the Grandiose's fire. He couldn't decide if they were incredibly lucky or incredibly unlucky. Perhaps it was all part of their destiny.

The young man, although he didn't want to admit it to Orkan, was quite fond of the idea of being the Warriors of Destiny. He had always pictured himself as someone who could make a difference in the world, as if something greater were in store for his story. It might sound a bit presumptuous, but it felt right. After all, he could help and save even more people going forward, fulfilling the promise he had made to himself and realizing his dream.

And now, they were headed to Reganta, the big city he had always wanted to visit. Unfortunately, it would have to be a quick visit, as they needed to go straight to Dunascas, hopefully arriving before Hiner to try and spare that long-suffering people any more pain. The Magnors had been liberated before he was born, so everything he knew had been passed down by teachers and older individuals. Compassion had grown in his heart, along with a sense of pride in knowing he was doing what was right.

Unable to get back to sleep, Aestus decided to get up. He was restless and couldn't stand being still for too long. He changed in the dimly lit cabin and walked out into the corridor. The door to Spes and Hadria's cabin was closed, as were all the others in the car. He seemed to be the first passenger awake on the entire train, which made him feel a bit superior but also lonely. To make good use of his time, the Knight started doing some physical exercises since he hadn't trained in a few days. He did sit-ups, push-ups, and various other exercises that used only his body weight.

When other passengers began to wake up and run into Aestus, he felt a bit embarrassed. He decided it was time to find his friends. He made his way to their corridor and knocked a bit louder than he intended on Spes and Hadria's door to wake them up. With a voice that was deeper and rougher than usual, a classic morning voice, Spes responded:

"Hello? Who is it?" Then the Lagomorph cleared his throat and spoke in his usual calm and friendly tone. "Did something happen? Is the train on fire?"

"No, no. It's just me, Aestus. I was just checking to see if you two were awake. Sorry," he added in a lower voice, feeling a bit guilty and insensitive, momentarily forgetting the recent panic they had experienced.

Aestus entered his cabin and sat on the bed, contemplating whether to wake Orkan. He was feeling a bit embarrassed about his earlier actions, realizing that he needed to be less self-centered at times, especially if he wanted to be the leader of the team. While he pondered, Spes lightly knocked on the door. The Lagomorph was standing outside, looking a bit shy and embarrassed due to his previous reaction. Beside him was Hadria, still rubbing her eyes, clearly feeling sleepy. They informed Aestus that they were going to have breakfast in the dining car and saw that Orkan was still asleep. Aestus thought it was best to wake up his friend so they all could eat together.

***

The rest of the journey went by smoothly with no notable incidents. The landscape outside had changed significantly, displaying different trees and terrain than they were accustomed to. Because this was a region with a high influx of people and vehicles, there were hardly any Creatures around. The employees of Baruc's train service ensured the safety of their passengers, which was one of the perks of living close to major hubs.

As they neared the capital, the surroundings became more urban and densely populated. Small towns, about the size of Comanse, were scattered around Reganta, usually inhabited by poorer people. The metropolis, in contrast, attracted the powerful and affluent, but the cost of living was much higher. The air in Reganta seemed denser, the atmosphere heavy. People on the streets moved like ants, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. Soon, the train pulled into the station.

Upon disembarking on the platform, they were immediately jostled by a group of hurried passengers who neither apologized nor glanced back. The four of them felt out of place there, especially Aestus and Orkan. Although they had heard about the size difference compared to their hometown, they hadn't fully grasped how drastic the change would be. Spes hadn't visited Reganta many times, and Hadria didn't like the bustle that dominated certain parts of the city. What Foscor had in friendliness and forced hospitality, Reganta had in impersonality and hostility.

The group walked together to the ticket counters, trying to decipher the confusing schedule board. While they struggled to make sense of it, Hadria, who had reverted to her usual apathetic state, pointed to a departing green train.

"I think that was our train," she said, sounding a bit sad, as if she were watching a friend leave.

"And according to that board, the next train only departs very late at night," Spes remarked, squinting at the small letters.

"Ugh... I hate waiting. What are we going to do with all this free time?" Orkan complained.

Aestus stammered, trying to think of something but ended up just shrugging. "What a great leader you're being, huh? First, you wake up Spes in a panic, and now you can't even coordinate the team. Stay focused!" he thought. Meanwhile, Hadria and Spes had dispersed, exploring the station. The Witch seemed highly interested in a potted plant, and the Mage was engaged in conversation, uncharacteristically extroverted, with a tourist information booth employee. On the other hand, the Rogue stood with crossed arms, huffing. The Knight approached his friend.

"I'm sorry, Aestus. I know it's not your fault, and I'm just making things difficult, but I really hate waiting."

"I know. But we can find something to do. Reganta is enormous, and we've always wanted to see the capital! There's definitely a blacksmith nearby, and maybe we can even check out the Hunters' Guild. It must be huge!"

"Yeah, you're right," Orkan replied, dropping his guard, feeling calmer. "There's plenty to do. We used to talk about coming here one day. Let's figure something out," and the Rogue walked away.

Aestus walked along the platform, trying to decide what to do, striving to be a good leader for the team. It was challenging to choose something that would please everyone, considering the diversity of his group. "Perhaps this is the secret to leadership: making difficult decisions and dealing with the consequences," he thought. However, his need to always be right and do everything perfectly limited him greatly. The Knight sighed and looked around, hoping to find some inspiration.

Hanging on a nearby wall, there was a very large notice board. Spes was carefully examining the jumble of leaflets and advertisements spread across the extensive bulletin board when a poster caught Aestus's attention. He approached, peering over the Mage's shoulder, slightly startling him. With a smile on his face, Aestus knew what his group needed. In a quick and decisive move, he tore off one of the leaflets, disregarding the minor act of vandalism he had just committed.

"Everyone, come over here! I know what we're going to do." Aestus tried to sound confident and optimistic, aiming to inspire his comrades. Curious, the other three approached, eager to hear his suggestion.

"Go on, spill it, chief," Orkan said, with a tone that was a mix of sarcasm and good humor.

"We're going to spend the day at the" and he extended his right arm forward, holding a poster that displayed an image of a large amusement park with various rides and attractions. At the top, in large letters, the name of the park was boldly written. Aestus said it aloud: "Colorful Crystalarium!"

To his relief (but not entirely surprised), Orkan and Spes were thrilled with the idea. Aestus knew that his friend's childhood dream was to visit this park, and because he knew the Lagomorph's personality well, it was clear that he would also enjoy it. His only uncertainty was how Hadria would react. She was once again wearing her dead-fish eyes, her mouth a straight line barely moving. However, she agreed, speaking slowly:

"I love the Colorful Crystalarium. Every time I've been there, I've had so much fun."

Inside, Aestus was setting off fireworks, but outwardly, he simply flashed his typical broad, perfect smile, his teeth glistening. Eager not to waste any more time, they set off to find how to get there. Hadria knew the way, so she led the others, indicating which transport to take and how to purchase the tickets. Aestus and Orkan observed everything closely, as they were not used to getting around in a large city. The Rogue tried to pretend he was nonchalant, but the Knight was in awe of everything, especially the machine that printed their tickets.

In no time, everyone was comfortably seated on a large vehicle, as spacious as a bus. Due to the time of day, it was somewhat empty, allowing them to sit together in two rows. The transport jolted slightly as it navigated the streets on their irregular paving. Because of its rapid and unplanned growth, Reganta had a somewhat confusing geography, with broad avenues suddenly funneled into narrow, winding alleys. Tall, modern buildings stood next to simple houses, pristine commercial areas coexisted with poor, dirty, and neglected regions. The residents dealt with this visually chaotic and intimidating urban mosaic with ease, while visitors, especially Aestus and Orkan, found it daunting.

Much like what happened on their way to the mine in Foscor, the guys stared out of the window, though this time they were quieter, trying to analyze and absorb their new surroundings. The grandeur of everything made them feel apprehensive, as they had never experienced anything like it before. They thought they were prepared for everything, but you can't prepare for something you've never encountered. Spes was casually chatting with Hadria, and when he noticed his other friends weren't saying much, he tried to lighten the mood by drawing them into the conversation:

"So, Orkan, do you know which attraction you want to go to first?"

The Rogue turned around on his seat, looking toward the pair of sorcerers. His expression was slightly lost and startled, as if taken by surprise. He nodded ever so slightly and returned to his usual presumptuous expression, answering with a forced nonchalance:

"I'll go to whichever is closest. I want something thrilling. Oh, and I also want to try those stalls where you can do target shooting and stuff. I'll win a really cool prize, you'll see. And you, bunny, have you been to the Crystalarium before?"

"Actually, no. Every time I've been to Reganta, it was for work, and it was always rushed. Every time I left, I promised myself I'd go there next time I returned, but it never happened. I'm really fulfilling a dream now."

"I'm so excited," Aestus said, rubbing his hands together. "Everyone who's been there speaks so highly of it. I think we deserve a day of rest and fun, especially after all the hardships we've faced. I want to go on every ride I can, and I only plan to leave when it's time to board for Dunascas. Do you think we can keep up with each other inside?

"Based on my experience, I think it's best if each of us goes where they want, on their own," Hadria said. "If it happens that you end up going on the same attractions, great. Otherwise, it can lead to unnecessary disagreements."

"I won't be waiting for anyone, no way! Are you crazy?" Orkan said, laughing.

"Sorry, big guy. No one's going to interrupt your fun marathon, no" Spes teased Orkan.

Feeling more relaxed and excited about their plans, the group continued to talk for a while, with Hadria explaining the park's divisions. There were five areas: Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Quartz, each with its own distinct characteristics. As the Witch explained, the others were already making mental plans for where they would go first and which regions of the Colorful Crystalarium they would explore more. At one point, the girl abruptly stopped her explanation and looked out the window. She immediately said, looking at Spes:

"I don't think you can afford to miss that."

The other three also looked outside, curious. Baruc's face was displayed on large banners hanging from buildings and a massive billboard. They were announcing the celebration of his birthday, featuring a public event with a parade and a display of the guards and the illustrious Baruc. The businessman wasn't much of a fan of grand appearances, so this was undoubtedly something orchestrated by his advisers, who believed it was important to include the people in the celebration of significant milestones. They aimed to give Baruc a more approachable image (even if he wasn't).

Spes rolled his eyes, emitting a grunt that conveyed his deep aversion and irritation. The other guys chuckled at his exaggerated reaction, knowing that he couldn't hide his disgust for the great inventor. It was a constant source of teasing and amusement.

"Seriously, are these folks going out of their houses to see this man waving from afar? What do you all like so much about him? If you want to see something old, go to a museum."

"You can't deny all the change he's brought to Kairos, Spes" Aestus said, trying to subtly mask his admiration for Baruc.

"And don't forget he saved your city," Orkan chimed in, poking Spes's forehead with his index finger.

"In exchange for the mines in the region, I might add."

Despite knowing it was all in jest, Spes was a bit uncomfortable. He really didn't like the man. Aestus found this last remark from his friend a little unfair.

"It wasn't quite like that, Spes, was it? He couldn't have known that Hiner would attack Silvi during his visit. And now that we know, or rather, suspect Hiner is the Oracle, there might be some hidden sense in it."

"I don't know... Everything was so strange..." Spes propped his chin on his hand, pondering.

"What can't be denied is that Baruc was essential in the liberation of the Magnors. At least that's what the history books say," Hadria offered, trying to convince her friend.

"I bet when we get to Dunascas, the only word those people will know how to say properly is 'Baruc,'" Orkan added. The group continued talking about Baruc and other topics, with the exception of Spes, who kept thinking about the power of the famous inventor, his relationship with Hiner, and how absurd that birthday celebration would be.

The journey to the Colorful Crystalarium, although quite long, was actually relatively quick. The traffic in Reganta wasn't as congested as usual, which made the trip less exhausting and stressful. So, they soon found themselves before that magnificence. The park's size was staggering. While driving on the street, it was impossible to have a precise notion of its dimensions, but it was already impressive. The whole expanse was enclosed by walls decorated with plants and illustrations, concealing their practical purpose. The parking lot in front of the main gate was massive, which wasn't common in Kairos, as few people owned any type of vehicle. Nevertheless, there weren't many vacant spots, indicating that the park would be crowded.

The bus stopped, and as the doors opened, Orkan and Aestus leaped out like rockets, rushing to the ticket booth. They didn't even bother to disguise their excitement; they were like two big kids. They eagerly stood in line, glancing around with their eyes darting from side to side. The magical atmosphere was already being crafted right at the entrance, where everything was decorated in the style of a fantastic and modern mine. The employees, all extremely friendly and smiling, wore uniforms reminiscent of those used by the workers in Foscor's mine but much more embellished and stylized.

After a few minutes, the four friends were already crossing the entrance turnstiles, facing a long queue that moved quickly. Upon entering, they were confronted with a massive sculpture made of immense elemental crystals, brimming with energy. They glowed, each pulsating with their respective colors, creating a myriad of hues. Green, blue, white, black, orange, red... The shades alternated and merged, creating a mesmerizing effect. Amidst all the crystals was one that was iridescent, much smaller than the others but still enormous. The value of that decoration alone was something beyond the comprehension of the two young men from Comanse.

Loudspeakers played a lively, upbeat tune that seemed to quicken the visitors' hearts, putting everyone in a more frenzied rhythm. Children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly moved at different speeds, heading in different directions. Some wanted to enjoy the rides, others wanted to admire the decorations and gardens, while others were solely interested in the various foods available throughout the park. One thing was certain: there was no one there who looked downcast or disinterested. Even Hadria, who didn't show much emotion, was inwardly eager to make the most of the day.

"Well, I'm going to the roller coaster in the Ruby region. See you!" Orkan exclaimed, already separating from the group.

"Wait up, I'm coming with you!" Hadria said, running after the Rogue.

Aestus and Spes exchanged glances, laughing and finding amusement in the unlikely pair that had formed. The Knight and the Rogue, despite being quite different in personality, were more compatible in their traits. They studied the park map and decided to head to the Emerald sector, primarily a zoo for Creatures.

The tour was enjoyable and fascinating. In the zoo, there were numerous Creatures, separated by type and usual habitats, well-isolated from the public behind glass enclosures. They appeared to be in a slight state of torpor, moving more slowly than usual. Several complex mechanisms scattered around the park caused this effect on the creatures, controlling their reactions. Nevertheless, several guards were on standby, stationed throughout the sector, in case of any emergencies. The two Hunters read the informative signs present there, learning interesting facts and characteristics of these fantastic beings, including some they had already defeated. Aestus made mental notes, trying to remember the best way to face each of the Creatures presented there. Spes watched contentedly until he decided to speak.

"You've been doing a great job, boss."

"Huh? What? What do you mean?" Aestus was taken aback, not understanding the context.

"You've been doing a great job, to be honest. Our group is so different, each with their own quirks. And you manage to make everyone comfortable and lead us."

"Oh, come on. I'm still very insecure, afraid of making the wrong decision."

"Relax, you're doing great, really!" Spes said, patting his friend's broad back. "People don't praise their friends enough, and I think that's wrong. You're an exemplary person, and you need to know that. And your smile is perfect too."

Aestus scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed by the sudden and direct praise. Internally, though, he was extremely proud and fulfilled to have his efforts recognized. It was as if Spes could read his thoughts. Light Mages are known for having heightened empathy, and besides, Spes was older and more experienced, making him extremely skilled at reading people like an open book. However, much to Aestus's relief, before he could respond to anything, Spes had already changed the subject. His thoughts were quicker than Orkan in a hurry.

"Look! They have a show with trained Lebretons over in the Sapphire region! And it's starting in a little while! Shall we go, Aestus?"

"It's not really my thing, Spes. You can go ahead."

The Lagomorph bid farewell, waving to Aestus, and ran through the park. His messy red hair fluttered in the air, as did his white cloak. Aestus watched him go, still digesting his words when a strange man in a dark cape bumped into his shoulder and walked away without apologizing or looking back. Aestus brushed his shoulder instinctively, shaking his head. "Maybe this is what the world needs more of. People like Spes," he thought.

***

"This line is moving so slowly!" Orkan complained, stomping in place, trying to see if they were close by looking over the others.

"We've only been waiting for less than five minutes, Orkan. Be patient."

The Rogue sniffed and pursed his lips, reconsidering his choices. However, the line moved quite quickly, and in no time, they were about to board the attraction. The roller coaster was stylized like a volcano, with a fiery theme and stunning decorations. The walls continuously oozed red goo, with sudden bursts of steam. The floor simulated blackened rocks, giving the impression that they were ascending a dangerous rocky hill. Hadria, despite claiming to be excited about the ride, was, as usual, apathetic. This slightly bothered Orkan.

"If you think about it, Hadria, a roller coaster is a kind of train, right? Cars running on a track, just on a smaller scale."

The Rogue looked intently at his friend's face. It was almost possible to see the gears turning in her eccentric brain. A smile gradually formed on the Witch's lips, and she even started humming the same song she sang the day before when they boarded the Foscor train. Orkan was now content since Hadria was evidently enjoying the ride. Soon, the two were called by a smiling staff member to board the attraction.

The seats adjusted automatically to their respective heights, as their dimensions were drastically different, securing them firmly in their seats. Orkan's heart was pounding as hard as a drum, his breath faster than usual. He experienced a surge of emotions unlike anything he had ever felt: fear, anxiety, excitement, exhilaration - all in a raging storm in his chest. While processing all of this, the car began to move slowly, climbing the steep tracks. There was no turning back now. Hadria, having already experienced this (and feeling like she was on a toy train), was extremely excited, with a mischievous grin from ear to ear.

At the top of the roller coaster, Orkan could see practically the entire expanse of the park. The Emerald region's zoo, the Sapphire Lebreton ranches, the numerous stalls in Ruby, technological buildings in Amethyst, and the colorful children's area in Quartz. Before he could fully take in the beauty of the scenery, the car plunged at a speed he hadn't anticipated. Everything around him became a blur, and he could only see the tracks. The sharp turns and loopings tossed him from side to side, and Orkan clung to the shoulder restraint as if his life depended on it. Nevertheless, the adrenaline rush was extremely pleasurable and invigorating. Beside him, Hadria had her arms stretched upward, screaming and laughing nonstop.

When the Rogue was getting used to the thrill, the carriages gradually slowed down, reaching the end of the ride. Orkan watched as the others were already getting ready to leave, still reluctant to accept that it was over. Sensing his frustration, Hadria said, gradually returning to her normal state:

"You can go again, you know? The line is very short right now. I'll go with you if you want to ride again."

Without even responding, the Rogue was running out of the attraction and back into line, as restless as a child on vacation. And that's how he spent a long time, repeatedly riding the same roller coaster without getting tired. Hadria eventually left to explore the Amethyst section, but Orkan had really enjoyed experiencing the heights and high-speed thrills. After hours, he finally decided to seek out other rides and excitement.

The Ruby area, where he was, was where the most exciting attractions were concentrated, but it also featured a set of game stalls offering prizes. Everything seemed a bit too simple or dull for Orkan, so he just strolled around slowly, observing people and his surroundings. As he was leaving, though, he noticed a crowd around one of the booths, cheering and clapping. Curious, Orkan approached, hoping it was something really exciting. Little did he know what was about to happen.

When the young man got close to the booth, what he initially saw seemed quite disappointing: it was a simple shooting gallery where players could use air guns or, if they preferred, their own weapons and skills. The targets, of different sizes and positions, didn't remain still, moving erratically across the wall. Not understanding what could be so thrilling, Orkan decided to watch, peering over the heads of the people in front of him. It was then that he understood why so many people were there to watch what seemed like such a straightforward game. It was a two-player game where opponents competed to see who could hit the most targets within a set time. This was more like what the Rogue enjoyed, a good competition. Even more so when he knew he could easily win.

However, watching the ongoing round, Orkan realized why so many people were watching a game that appeared deceptively simple. A Dark Wizard was simply demolishing anyone who dared to challenge him. He cast simple yet precise and swift spells. With each simple movement of his hand, a small, purple spark struck the target he aimed at. His score was practically perfect, leaving little room for competition. The ease and naturalness with which he did this, while chuckling, only served to annoy his opponents, who became agitated and made silly mistakes.

Seeing this situation, Orkan knew it was his duty to teach this arrogant Wizard a lesson, as ironic as it might sound. The tall young man approached the booth, politely pushing through the onlookers as best he could. As the ongoing match ended, with a resounding victory for the Dark Wizard, Orkan paid for his entry and went to his designated spot, passing by the last challenger, visibly annoyed at his loss. The Rogue entered what looked like a large cage, barred on all sides to prevent any objects from flying out and hitting anyone. The floor was rubberized and clean, with markings on the ground indicating the distance to the targets, which was about 10 meters away. The wall in front of him, with sliding circular blue and red targets, had a matte black finish, creating an interesting contrast. The air felt heavy, perhaps due to the tension of about to face such a formidable opponent.

"Ready to lose?" Orkan asked. The other man glanced over his shoulder, but it was practically impossible to see his features. He was dressed in the typical and old-fashioned attire that Wizard often wore. A very dark navy-blue cloak, almost black, covered his entire body. It had a high and stiff collar that reached his ears. Over his head, a pointed yellow-mustard hat concealed the rest of his face.

"I'm afraid not. There's a Lebreton plush there that I've been eyeing for a while; I'm only a few tickets away from getting it." His voice was calm, but he seemed to be relishing the situation.

"So, I guess I'm the one who's going to win this mini-Lebreton. I have a friend who would love it."

"We'll see, Rogue."

A warning sound indicated that the time had started running. In the blink of an eye, Orkan had already materialized his daggers and was hurling them toward the targets. He concentrated like he had never done before, his eyes seeking the targets as soon as they appeared. The Rogue couldn't even keep up with what his opponent was doing, concerned only with giving his best and hitting the colored circles, which he was doing masterfully. With each target hit, a "ding" sounded, indicating that the score had been recorded. Thus, a symphony of a single tone echoed, with the sounds repeating one after the other in quick succession. The impromptu audience was in a frenzy, clearly rooting for Orkan, but he couldn't afford to pay attention to the cheers.

In moments, a horn signaled that the match was over. All the targets disappeared simultaneously, leaving Orkan a bit confused about how the contraption worked. It had all been very quick, and only now did he manage to pay attention to the people around him. Some were celebrating, but most of them seemed dissatisfied. The Rogue looked at the scoreboard and saw that he had scored 20 points less than the man beside him. He had been defeated.

Orkan wouldn't accept this result. He was sure he could win. His opponent stood in the same place, looking at his nails as if doing something simple. This only infuriated the young man even more, who demanded a rematch.

"Of course, just don't get all huffy when you lose again."

The Rogue fumed, furious. "Now it's a matter of honor to beat this jerk," he thought, gritting his teeth. However, his emotional turmoil only worsened his focus and accuracy. So, when the match started, Orkan threw his daggers with more force than necessary, even missing several targets. As expected, another defeat followed, this time with 43 points less.

"Focus, kid. You lack focus. Concentrate, and you can get a much better result," the stranger said.

Despite being reluctant to accept tips from a stranger who had defeated him twice, Orkan set aside his pride, took a deep breath, and rubbed his face. His skin was sweaty and oily, his breath uneven. After controlling his heart rate and his thoughts, Orkan asked for another chance, with a calmer voice this time. The man simply nodded, tugging at the brim of his huge hat.

Almost immediately after the new round began, Orkan was already hurling his daggers. His speed and precision were flawless, his movements fluid and organic. At that moment, only he and the targets existed; everything else was a blur. He felt as if his life depended on this result.

As the final horn sounded, Orkan had just thrown his dagger. The target on the wall disappeared a millisecond before being hit by the obsidian black blade of his weapon. The Rogue panted, catching his breath, as he hadn't taken a single breath while making his throws. The audience was in an even greater frenzy, chanting unintelligible cries. Confident, Orkan looked at the scoreboard.

One point. Orkan had lost again by a mere point. If that last dagger had hit the target, he would be celebrating now, but disbelief and frustration overcame him.

"I don't accept this result!" Orkan yelled, pointing to the numbers indicating his defeat. "You're cheating!"

"Oh, come on," the man said, with a tone more mocking than irritated. "I just used a different technique than yours."

"Shooting those little beams is easy; I want to see you do it for real."

"I'm following the rules of the booth. If you don't agree with them, it's not my problem. Now let me go, I've got enough tickets to exchange for my plush Lebreton. Excuse me," - and the Wizard began heading toward the exit of the cage they were in.

"I'm not done talking yet!" And Orkan grabbed the man's arm, pulling him forcefully. By reflex, the Wizard brought his other hand to Orkan's, releasing a small but powerful electric shock. The Rogue let go of his opponent, taking a few steps back, somewhat disoriented.

"You need to accept that you lost. Some people are just better than you, and there's not much you can do. I truly hope this little game taught you a lesson, Orkan."

"How do you know my name?!" Orkan asked, surprised.

The young man fixed his blue eyes on the person in front of him. Undoubtedly, Hiner was staring at him with a serious and impatient expression, but without any sign of anger. For a second, Orkan was afraid, thinking he might be executed right there by the powerful Wizard. But remembering Hadria's interaction with her enemy, the young man decided to seize the opportunity to attack. So, in a swift motion, Orkan materialized his daggers and lunged at Hiner.

The Rogue was fast, much faster than Hiner, closing the gap between them before the Wizard could attack. However, before Orkan's blades could hit him, Hiner managed to use a protective spell, creating a light armor around his body just moments before the blow connected with his skin. The impact still hurt him, but not as much as being stabbed in the chest.

Due to the impact, Hiner staggered backward, regaining his balance, while Orkan crouched in front of him, taking a few seconds to realize that his attack had been blocked. This moment of hesitation was seized by Hiner, who, in one continuous motion, materialized his staff and spun it, hitting Orkan square in the head, making a loud, painful noise.

The world spun in Orkan's vision, even though he had barely moved from his spot. He fell to the side, supporting himself on the ground and putting his hand to his right temple where he had been struck. A physical attack was something completely unexpected from Hiner, known for his powerful spells. Orkan's skull throbbed as he recovered from the blow, his senses gradually returning within a few moments.

The people around the cage, not understanding what was happening and frightened, shouted and ran, creating a different kind of uproar compared to the cheers during the target shooting matches. Some were cheering for the fight, eager to witness some free violence; others ran away, taking their children with them, fearing what the situation might escalate to. Some even wanted to get inside and take sides without knowing what was happening. The attraction's supervisor held the cage door shut, trying to get the attention of a security guard.

"I told you that you should've gone to Dunascas! You had no business fooling around in an amusement park!" Hiner said, now that he had dematerialized his staff and had his grimoire under control. His tone was almost like a father scolding his child, feeling a bit guilty for having been so hard with the punishment.

"You don't tell me what to do, you shitty Oracle! I'm going to kill you!"

Orkan launched a barrage of attacks against Hiner, who deflected the thrown daggers with strong gusts of wind perpendicular to the blades. Getting tired of this futile attempt to injure him, Hiner pushed Orkan back with a shockwave, sending the Rogue tumbling to the ground. He barely hit the floor before rolling backward into an attacking position, poised for action.

"I don't want to hurt you, Orkan! We're on the same side!" Hiner implored, trying to put an end to this pointless fight.

Orkan was a bundle of nerves, overflowing with different emotions. He felt anger toward Hiner for everything he had done in the past, frustration and embarrassment for losing in front of so many people, anxiety for finally being face to face with someone sought by many, and the certainty that he had to seize that moment to make history. Orkan rose slowly, never taking his eyes off Hiner's face. He felt an energy building up in his chest, something he couldn't control. Beams of green light began to envelop his body.

"I'll never fight on the same side as you, murderer! I'll end this right now! SLASHING TURBULENCE!"

Anticipating a powerful charge from Orkan, Hiner created a wall of static electricity in front of him, with purple lightning forming a network that crackled and sparkled like a pyrotechnic show. The Ladino began to throw his daggers quickly, just as he had in the fight against the Giant Bulb. Hiner saw nothing but a blur in front of him, focusing on maintaining the protective electrical barrier between himself and his opponent. The blades hit the obstacle, losing strength and missing their target.

However, the speed and force of Orkan's throws increased, eventually overpowering Hiner's spell, to the Wizard's surprise. One of the daggers managed to pierce the electric beams, striking Hiner's right thigh, before being rematerialized by Orkan to be thrown again. The man grunted in pain, but also increased the power of his spell. The wall of lightning grew in size and intensity, spiraling out of control. Although it was effective in shielding against Orkan's attacks, the electrical current ended up hitting the metal cage where they were.

The people watching around the cage received a powerful but non-lethal shock, stunning almost everyone around. The sparks also struck the park's electrical grid, causing a loud bang and a widespread short circuit, plunging the entire complex into darkness. What was once a spectacle had now turned into a disaster of massive proportions, igniting panic that spread like wildfire. The roller coaster came to a halt in the middle of the tracks, the Lebreton show had its lights extinguished, and the colorful children's attractions were now all eerie and unlit.

In the spot where the battle between Orkan and Hiner was taking place, everything was still illuminated by the Wizard's spell. The Rogue soon finished his attack, breathless, collapsing to his knees, gasping for air. He didn't know if he had defeated Hiner, as his mind was a jumble of images, unable to even process the desperate cries around him. After a few seconds, he looked ahead, to his disappointment. The Wizard was healing his wounded leg, which had virtually instantaneously returned to normal. All his effort had been in vain. Fatigue overwhelmed his body, which added to his feeling of powerlessness, not helping him defend himself from Hiner's counterattack.

The Wizard moved his hand forward, creating a solid block of ice that struck Orkan in the face, hurling him backward, unconscious. Hiner rushed to the young man, concerned that he might have gone too far with his attack, but was relieved to see that Orkan was only slightly unconscious. Nonetheless, he healed the Rogue and quickly ran away from the scene, anticipating that he might have been recognized, and a mob would try to capture him.

Outside the cage, Hiner cast a generalized healing spell, restoring the senses of all those affected by the electrified fence. Without stopping to make sure everyone was fine, the Wizard rushed away, leaving a crowd bewildered but soon disappearing into the tumult of people panicking due to the sudden and unprecedented electrical failure.

***

A few minutes earlier, Aestus was still wandering through the Creatures' Zoo. He had stopped for a snack but decided to return to finish his tour of that section. Suddenly, the lighting flickered several times and then went out, replaced by some dim, unreliable emergency lights. While he looked around trying to figure out what was happening, a loud roar a few meters away caught his attention. He turned in the direction of the noise and saw that a large reptilian Creature, a huge dinosaur, had awakened from its torpid state and was attempting to break the protective glass of its enclosure. Before Aestus could even consider if they were safe there, several glass panes shattered across the Emerald section. The Creatures were loose.