Destiny. Such a beautiful word to describe the consequences of our actions. As the saying goes, everything is indeed written, but just in pencil. Any change of plans can drastically alter the outcomes. From minuscule variations to tragic endings, every action and decision can affect the story of a person or the entire world.

Even with this in mind, the Oracle was content and tranquil. The people around him still didn't suspect his existence, and his plans were proceeding as he wished. The gears were turning, the pieces were falling into place. Everything was in order. Surveying the situation, he even found it amusing, smiling with pride.

Aestus and Orkan were growing stronger and more experienced with each passing day. Spes managed to protect his friends, uniting the group. Hadria, as eccentric and apathetic as she might be, proved to be an essential addition to the team. The Oracle had grown fond of them, just as people feel close to characters in a book. The Mage was his favorite character in this unfolding story. Always enthusiastic and cheerful, so endearing.

As he focused and assessed the current situation of his heroes, the Oracle was startled, realizing the danger they were in. Nevertheless, he laughed. It was incredible how they always got into trouble and managed to find a way out. It was as if someone very powerful was helping them.

He let out a loud and hearty laugh, drawing looks from the people around him. The Oracle composed himself, trying not to draw attention to his outburst of laughter, clearing his throat and rubbing his face. He refocused, visualizing his adventurers' near future. Of course, they would get through it. Their story still had a long way to go.

His heroes, so small in their perspectives, would bring about so many significant changes. Soon their paths would cross with Hiner and Baruc, the real protagonists of the current story of Kairos. Some truths revealed, unexpected twists. The path was winding and complicated.

The Oracle closed his eyes and concentrated. He imagined the whole situation like a board game and the characters as little figurines. The map of Kairos unfolded like an open map on a table. The pieces were arranged in their current positions. Four of them in the Foscor mine, some others still scattered, not yet in play. The Oracle picked up a small Aestus miniature. It was a great representation of the Knight: strong, holding his sword in one hand and pointing forward with the other. A natural leader.

"Why are protagonists always so dull? Heroes without flaws," thought the Oracle. "However, his facade of perfection and moral righteousness is already cracking. What's inside you, Aestus? Why are you so afraid to open up?" And he placed the mini Aestus back on the board.

Next, he picked up the piece representing Orkan, who was crouched down, holding his daggers with a smirk on his face. The Oracle imitated the same expression of the figurine, amused.

"You're becoming quite a surprise, Orkan. Still foolish and reckless, but you've improved a lot. You have no idea the mess you've gotten into, right?"

Already smiling, the Oracle picked up the piece representing Spes. He examined the little Lagomorph, dressed in his white cloak and holding his shining staff raised in front of him. Such a kind character, yet harboring such deep secrets. How proud he felt of the Mage. Worthy of being the protagonist of the story, but he preferred to remain a supporting character. Fantastic!

"So kind, so playful, yet so broken inside. What will your friends think when they discover your past, little Spes?"

The miniature of Hadria came next. The small Witch had her arms crossed and looked serious. You could feel her apathy just by looking at her face, even more so when it came to her replica.

"You pretend so well not to care about anything that you even believe it yourself, don't you? When will you stop seeking approval from your parents? A little change will be good for you, Hadria."

After placing the small Witch in her spot alongside the others, the Oracle glanced over the board, focusing on a piece located slightly apart from the rest, isolated. He propped his chin up with one hand and picked up the figurine with the other. It was a tall, strong-looking guy, dressed in light orange fabrics. His fighting stance, with fists clenched and raised, showed he was prepared to fight for everything he believed in.

"Soon enough, big guy, it's your turn. And you're going to be responsible for the biggest twist in this story. Or at least one of them, I believe. I can hardly wait."

After placing the piece back in its place, the Oracle returned to reality, taking a deep breath and opening his eyes. Perhaps they needed a little nudge in the right direction soon. Great journeys require a subtle adjustment to their path from time to time.

***

Time seemed to have frozen. The golems all on the brink of exploding, like synchronized fireworks on a festive night. Aestus had thrown himself over Orkan in a vain attempt to protect his unconscious friend. Hadria stood, eyes closed, arms extended close to her body, hands open, ready for her life to end. The only one refusing this outcome was Spes.

He hadn't fought and suffered so much to lose everything in a stuffy, dirty mine corridor. He refused to become a mere statistic in a dull city like Foscor. He wouldn't be another Hunter who dies due to poor decisions on a simple mission. Spes knew he was destined for greater things.

"No one is dying here! Not under my watch!" Spes exclaimed, his voice strong and authoritative, unlike his usual cheerful tone. "TRANSLUCENT SHIELDS!"

The Mage stepped in front of his friends, spinning his staff over his head. His cloak was illuminated by the intense glow of his staff's white crystal. He then struck the staff on the ground and pointed it toward the Creatures, in a horizontal arc with a fluid motion. Beams of light quickly leaped toward each golem, enveloping them in a radiant sphere. They were all encased in capsules formed by a cage-like structure of white gold material and clear glass screens.

Spes had a determined expression on his face, his teeth grinding. He seemed to be using all his power to conjure these divine protective structures. His eyes shone intensely with a vivid green, reflecting the lights emanating from his staff. His fiery-red hair fluttered even without a hint of wind in that tunnel.

Just as Spes finished forming the protective enclosures, the golems simultaneously exploded. A small red supernova flickered inside all the orbs containing the Creatures. It was possible to hear a muffled sound, like a balloon popping underwater. All the orbs trembled, and their glass cracked, but they perfectly contained the shockwaves. The death of the four adventurers had been averted by the Mage's intelligence and his powerful abilities. Suddenly, the spheres he had created disappeared, leaving behind only a few red crystals that had emerged from the Creatures.

Hadria opened her eyes, confused, but glad not to have died. She felt relieved not to have to justify her mother's doubts. Aestus looked around, still not believing they were alive. Spes stumbled in the place where he stood, falling backward and sitting down. The Witch went to him, concerned.

"You can go help Aestus. I'm fine," Spes said, rubbing his eyes. "I just need to recover a little."

Aestus was already trying to free Orkan from the pile of fallen rocks covering him. The Knight tossed heavy rocks far away, summoning strength from his core. He lifted weights he hadn't imagined possible, in the desire to free his friend soon. In a short time, the Rogue was being pulled to safety.

Spes pulled a long tube from his belt, containing a shimmering dark blue liquid. He removed the cork with his mouth and spat it away. Then, he turned the tube into his mouth, gulping down its contents in one big swig. The Mage made a disgusted expression, shaking his whole body after swallowing.

"Could they make this revitalizing potion taste any better?" Spes complained, looking at Hadria. "Night fairy is so pretty but tastes so bad. Ugh!" Hadria just shrugged, accepting the critique.

Refreshed, Spes jumped to his feet, ready to attend to Orkan. The Mage assessed his friend's condition again, checking for any new injuries or anything that required more attention. But, to his relief, only Orkan's right tibia was fractured. Spes knelt beside the Rogue's shin, ready to begin his work. Seeing Aestus approaching with a concerned look, Spes half-jokingly said:

"If you're going to open your mouth to hurry me up, I'll smack you with my staff!"

Aestus swallowed nervously, embarrassed. He was very anxious about his friend's health, but he trusted the wisdom and power of the Lagomorph. However, this was a new situation where Aestus had no control, leaving him uncomfortable.

After running his hands along the entire length of Orkan's leg, Spes held it with one hand just below the knee and another just above the ankle. More to himself, he said:

"At least he's unconscious, that makes it easier," and looking toward the others, he added, "This won't be pleasant. Those with weak stomachs, cover your ears and close your eyes."

Spes promptly began moving Orkan's leg, rotating it. An extremely uncomfortable sound filled the corridor. It was as if he were rubbing two handfuls of sand together. Bone fragments scraped against each other, creating an unbearable cacophony. Aestus nearly felt sick, imagining the pain his friend would feel if he were awake. Hadria just wished she would never have to experience something like this in her life.

However, in a short time, Spes managed to align the broken pieces, feeling ready to heal Orkan now. Holding the Rogue's leg still, Spes closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Casting spells without his staff was much more difficult and required intense concentration. Nevertheless, after a few moments, light shades of green ran from Spes's arms to Orkan's leg, reconstructing it in a matter of seconds. Then, Spes moved his friend's leg to ensure everything was in place.

Satisfied with the result of his magic, Spes stood up and materialized his staff again, finishing healing Orkan's other wounds with ease and speed. The Rogue opened his eyes and sat up, visibly confused. His friends recounted what had happened, trying not to lay too much blame on his impulsive behavior. His reckless attack against an unknown Creature could have killed them all, but this wasn't the time for quarrels or blame.

"But why did you shield the golems instead of creating a dome around us? Like you did in the battle against Hiner?" Aestus asked, genuinely curious.

"And risk the entire corridor collapsing on us?" Spes replied, pointing with both hands at the ceiling. "It was a much more difficult spell, but I think it was worth it," he added, playfully tugging on one of his long ears.

All his friends expressed their gratitude for Spes's insight. Aestus gave him a tight hug, patting his back, while Orkan winked at him and gave a thumbs up. Spes felt fulfilled in having managed to save everyone. He genuinely cared about the people present there, more and more each day. Being the oldest in the group, he felt responsible for keeping everyone safe, almost like a school trip supervisor, but with more battles and dangers.

The group retraced their steps, paying attention to the rocks on the walls, but without encountering any new golems. Upon reaching the barricade that sealed off the corridor, Aestus knocked on the door, which was still locked from the other side. A scared and trembling female voice asked who was there. The Knight replied:

"It's us, the Hunters who were hired to kill the Creatures."

"Oh, yes. Just a moment," the voice replied, still sounding wary.

A young Minati teenager opened the door just a crack, peering into the corridor with her black eye. Confirming there was no danger, she fully opened the door and apologized. She wore a uniform that seemed new, and her safety helmet was slightly askew on her head. Even without asking, it was clear she was a newbie. She continued apologizing, trying to explain that she was just an intern, but she stumbled and confused her words so much that it was hard to understand what she was saying. Without finishing her explanation, she excused herself and walked away.

"What did she think was on the other side of the door? A golem that learned to speak?" Orkan asked after she left. Everyone stifled a chuckle, except for Hadria, as usual.

The employee who had initially accompanied them returned, followed by the embarrassed intern, as the friends conversed in hushed tones. He profusely thanked them for their service but asked them to wait there while they checked for any more hidden Creatures in the corridor. A Humanoid soon appeared, carrying what looked like a toy under his arm. It was a white sphere, about the size of a cantaloupe, with four large wheels. He explained that it was a Creature sensor, which they always used to sweep the corridors before any work as a precaution.

The Humanoid placed the object on the ground, and much faster than expected, it disappeared down the path the group had just traversed. The employee wore an earpiece that received signals from the mobile device. After a few seconds, the young man nodded to the mustached Minati, who flashed a broad smile at the Hunters.

"Thank you so much, folks! This is the newest section of the mine. It was a shame we couldn't work in it. I'll report to my superiors right away. Again, thank you! You guys were fantastic!"

Aestus and Spes felt somewhat embarrassed by the recognition, but Orkan put his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest, as if not only his ego had inflated with the compliments. The Minati guided them back to the elevator, sending them to the surface. Hadria didn't show it, but she was extremely proud of herself. She usually trained alone and in secret, using spells in the air to improve her technique. Everything she had learned was through self-effort, with no one to teach her. Soon, she might gain her long-awaited freedom.

The slight jolt of the elevator brought Hadria back from her thoughts, signaling that they had arrived on the surface. They all disembarked, chatting about trivial matters as they headed toward the reception in the other building. The dark sky struck the boys as strange, momentarily making them think they had spent the entire day inside the mine. It was hard to get used to the lack of circadian phenomena, confusing the perception of time for those who didn't live in Foscor. In her mind, Hadria wondered if she would ever adapt to the day and night changes of the rest of the world.

The receptionist congratulated them for a job well done, informing them that a vehicle would take them back as soon as possible. They used the waiting time to eat some of the provisions sent by the hotel team. The snacks were fantastic, made with refined ingredients and great care. Even after satisfying their hunger, there was still plenty of food left. As if it had been coordinated, as soon as they finished their meal, the transport was ready for the return journey. They bid farewell to the receptionist with waves, and she smiled and gave a slight nod of her head.

During the ride back, Orkan and Spes dozed off on the comfortable seats, while Aestus chatted with Hadria. They talked about how the hotel operated and how Cornelia would react to the news. Hadria was optimistic, just like the Knight.

"We didn't talk much with you about our plans for the future; it all happened so quickly. But, actually, Spes, Orkan, and I wanted to assemble a really strong team and eventually face Hiner," Aestus said, still embarrassed to admit to such an apparently unattainable goal. He finished the sentence and gave a sheepish smile, unsure of how Hadria would react.

"Okay," she said, without any objection or asking for further clarification. Aestus had not yet gotten used to Hadria's blasé personality.

"Do you think your mother would be more accepting of you leaving if she knew about our intention?" Aestus asked.

"No. I don't think you've understood how dedicated she is to that hotel," Hadria replied, then turned to look out the window at the landscape. The night fairy, when not in bloom, left behind a dark green, low vegetation that resembled the lawns of fields outside the region of eternal night.

After the conversation died down and they fell into silence, Aestus began to recall what had happened in the mine's corridors. He still hadn't overcome his traumas and guilt, which greatly affected his performance. However, Aestus was determined not to repeat the same mistake, promising himself that he would control his thoughts if a similar situation arose again.

The rest of the journey was quite peaceful, with no encounters with Creatures along the way. As they entered the city, the Rogue and the Mage woke up and stretched. In no time, they were all disembarking in front of the hotel. Its imposing size still impressed the three outsiders. Besides occupying an entire city block, the building had multiple stories, making its value practically incalculable. Cornelia's affection for this Gothic palace was easily understandable. The group entered through the grand doors, stepping into the magical atmosphere that the hotel provided.

Cornelia was at the reception, speaking with a Lagomorph receptionist, who had hunched shoulders and a subservient expression on her face. The young woman was clearly intimidated by the elegant lady, her hair still immaculately coiffed. When the group approached the counter, the Minati paused what she was saying mid-sentence, looking all four of them up and down. Her expression was a mixture of disgust and indignation. She couldn't control herself, muttering under her breath:

"The state of you..."

After all the battles and, especially, after the explosion, the Hunters were not in presentable condition. Their clothes were covered in dust and had a few tears. Orkan's, in particular, was deplorable, with the right leg of his pants encrusted with a nasty combination of dirt and dried blood. The four of them felt embarrassed, only now realizing how much they stood out from the chic and pristine surroundings. Employees and guests nearby were watching and whispering.

"Isn't that the owner's daughter over there?" a man asked loudly to his friend without worrying about being heard.

A murmur spread through the reception area, which, unfortunately for Hadria, was more crowded than usual. Cornelia walked to the door behind the counter and opened it, holding it. Without saying a word, she simply nodded, a gesture immediately understood by the group. They quickly made their way toward the door, leaving brown footprints on the reception's carpet. One by one, they filed through the door, passing in front of Cornelia. If her gaze could cause pain, everyone there would be writhing in agony, begging for mercy.

After they had all entered, Cornelia went in front of them and began walking through the internal corridors. The scene was almost comical, with the petite Minati lady being followed directly by Aestus, a hulking Knight. They were guided to a small room that served as a storeroom, with shelves and boxes of various materials. The place was stuffy and poorly lit but not disorganized in the slightest.

"Wait here!" Cornelia ordered, closing the door and leaving the group confused, looking around. After a few seconds of silence, they started to converse quietly, afraid she might return and get even angrier. After a short while, the door flew open suddenly, startling the Hunters. Spes jumped and even made a noise, genuinely frightened.

"I refuse to even talk to you in this condition. I brought a young man who's a Blacksmith here. Fortunately, he was working at the hotel," Cornelia said, signaling for a burly man to enter.

The Blacksmith, dressed in a custodian's uniform, entered the storeroom and immediately began to put his skills to work. He concentrated hard to repair everyone's clothing and armor, seemingly a bit out of practice. Nevertheless, all the damages and dirt disappeared, leaving the group looking presentable. The matriarch thanked the employee for his service and dismissed him. He quickly left the storeroom, relieved to have done a good job in front of the boss.

"Now, let's go to the office," Cornelia commanded, already striding away with determined steps.

Once again, they navigated through several hallways and corners, making their way through the hotel's internal labyrinth. Spes was sure that if they left him there, it would take him years to find the way out. In contrast, Cornelia could navigate this path with her eyes closed. They inevitably reached the office, finding Vasimo seated once more in front of his computer, his desk even more cluttered and disorganized, and his glasses nearly at the tip of his nose. Like a repeat of the day before, the group stood side by side, with Hadria in front of the guys, facing the furious Minati. She crossed her arms and said:

"Speak! Why have you returned so soon?"

"We did what you asked, Mother," Hadria said, slowly savoring each word.

Cornelia furrowed her brow, incredulous. She took a breath to say something but stopped herself. This news had taken her by surprise, as she expected them either not to be so efficient or not to handle the job at all. Still in disbelief, Cornelia took a square crystal object, opened it in half, forming a small, flat rectangle. She handled the communicator with skill, quickly swiping her finger across its surface, making a call. Orkan and Aestus were impressed, as they had never seen a communicator in person.

"Hi, it's Cornelia," she said into the communicator after a few seconds of waiting. "I'm calling to inquire about the team I sent to exterminate the Creatures. Ah yes, I understand. Well, that's good news, isn't it? Okay, thank you very much," and she hung up.

The men had smiles on their faces, while Hadria raised her chin a bit higher, more confident. Cornelia seemed conflicted, trying to decide what to say. However, to everyone's surprise, Vasimo was the next to speak.

"Did you manage to deal with the mine problem, daughter?" he said, taking off his glasses, much to Spes' relief, who audibly sighed with relief.

"Congratulations, Hadria. You've surprised me."

"Thank you, Father."

"I told you she was good," Spes added in a low but audible voice, causing Cornelia to purse her lips.

"Congratulations for doing nothing more than your duty," Cornelia said, making an effort to make some positive comment, visibly displeased. "I have to confess I thought this whole mess would have you running back here, begging to work at the hotel again. But I was wrong."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Cornelia," Aestus said, taking a step forward. "I must add that Hadria was very helpful on our mission. Her assistance will be essential for us to defeat Hiner, our ultimate goal."

For the first time in a long while, Hadria saw her mother laugh out loud. She threw her head back, letting out an odd, unsettling cackle. The sound she made while laughing was unpleasant, unsettling, like pure mockery. After a while, Cornelia composed herself, returning to her previous stance. She said:

"Hiner is just a layabout who likes to show off. A lunatic who will be killed by Baruc sooner or later. You don't need to worry about him. But I will honor my word. You can go on some hunts here, in the region, but you do not have my permission to go around playing adventurer. That's all, you may go."

"But you said I could be a Hunter!" Hadria retorted, trembling, letting her anger show.

"I said you could go on hunts; I never said you could go act the fool out in the world," Cornelia replied, with a sly smile, seeming to enjoy the effect she was having.

Hadria was furious and revolted, her eyes darkening even more. Aestus and Orkan, in vain, tried to argue, talking over each other. Spes just clenched his fists and bit his lips, unable to believe that someone could be so despicable. Vasimo watched the scene without reacting, turning his eyes back to the computer.

"That's it, I said! You may leave!" Cornelia said, with a thunderous and authoritative voice that didn't match her stature. The group fell silent instantly, leaving one by one from the office. Arguing with that woman was futile.

Spes suggested going to the restaurant to talk, but Hadria refused to stay a second longer in that hotel. She felt her eyes burning but didn't allow the tears to come. Her anger remained internalized, forming a destructive storm in her mind. They left the hotel and headed to the adjacent square, sitting on gray stone benches near a small round fountain. The sound of flowing water was pleasant and relaxing, but it had no effect in calming the young Witch's rage.

They all remained silent, partly because they didn't know what to say in a situation like this and partly because they had no idea what to do next. The three guys were back to square one, having to restart their search for a Witch willing to become a Hunter again. In fact, they considered this alternative, but what they really wanted was for Hadria to join the team. Her proficiency with spells was astounding, even though she was an atypical and very peculiar figure. In a way, her quirkiness also made her a special addition to the team, as her peculiarities weren't at all irritating.

"Aestus, I'd like to ask a favor," Hadria said after a while. She sounded angry and determined. Aestus, who was sitting with his elbows on his knees, looked in her direction, curious. "Get some contracts from the Guild. I need to vent. I'm sorry if I sound bossy," she added, concerned that she was giving a bad impression.

He got up, assuring her that he understood, and went back to the hotel. Spes said he would go along to help choose (and find in that mess) suitable contracts. Orkan stayed behind to keep Hadria company. She was still quiet, extremely frustrated. The Rogue could sympathize with her situation since his own parents weren't a shining example of support and affection. However, he couldn't comprehend why she didn't just run away, follow her own path. It was as if Hadria could read his mind, and she confided:

"I wish I could just leave," she said, looking at the ground, her feet on the bench, her chin resting on her knees. "I wish I hadn't been born a Minati."

"But what does that have to do with it?"

She looked at Orkan with her eyes now teary. However, her expression remained unreadable, creating a strange contrast.

"Our race has this bizarre connection between parents and their offspring. No matter how hard I try, I can't completely disobey my mother. It's more than a custom, more than a tradition. It's like a pact, you know?"

"And what happens if you break it?" Orkan asked, trying to understand.

"I don't know. No one's ever managed to."

With this new information in mind, Orkan could only feel even more sorry for Hadria. The pair remained silent, listening to the sound of the fountain's water and the rustling of leaves from the fake trees around them. According to Orkan's calculations, it was now early afternoon. The university's bell began to toll a few moments later, confirming what he had thought. The lack of daylight only made that city and this particular moment even more depressing.

Not long after, Spes and Aestus returned from the hotel, carrying some contracts in hand. They showed the options to the girl, who determined the order in which they would complete them. Without delay, she jumped off the bench where she had been sitting and led the team. This was her moment. Somehow she needed to express her anger and frustration.

The four of them spent the afternoon and into the early evening battling against Creatures, helping the inhabitants of Foscor. They faced slimes in the sewers again, but this time the right way; they defeated sabertooth creatures that prowled the city walls, and some fire imps that were wreaking havoc on night fairy plantations. All the battles were led by Hadria, who conjured her spells with expertise, effortlessly tearing through her enemies. The three guys had become accustomed to her abrupt change in behavior, laughing and contorting her faces with malicious smiles.

Tired, they returned to the hotel, a bit calmer and resigned to the fact that they wouldn't have Hadria's company outside the city. Dinner was relaxed, retelling the day's adventures. They chatted animatedly, laughing and joking about the mistakes they had made in the day's battles, as well as sharing funny past stories. After a while, they fell silent, which was broken by Hadria:

"So, tomorrow you guys are going after another Witch or Wizard?"

The three guys nodded, somewhat embarrassed and disheartened. They knew it wasn't what they wanted, but it was the only alternative. A heavy atmosphere settled over the table, making the conversation dull and slow. Even the delicious dessert they were eating seemed tasteless. Spes, clearly upset, decided to go to bed, followed by the other guys in sequence. Hadria remained sitting at the table, looking around, wondering if that would be her life forever. Trying not to sink into depression, she also headed to her quarters. Tired, she slept heavily after a long shower.

***

To make matters worse for their already unfavorable situation, the next day started with rain. Fat drops pattered against the windows, creating a pleasant white noise, lulling Orkan to sleep. His alarm had already gone off three times, but he refused to wake up. The linen sheets and feather pillows, unlike anything he was used to, made it harder to awaken. He didn't want to show it, but Orkan had a hunch that the search for a new Witch would be futile. Hadria was the only person who could fill the spot on the team. And it wasn't just because she was exceptional in battle; he felt something more, just as he did when they considered bringing Spes onto the team.

A light knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Spes, as if by some twist of fate, was standing there, calling him for morning breakfast. "Well, it should be called only breakfast, right? Because here it's never morning," he said with a laugh, and then moved away from the door, his characteristic laughter fading. Orkan jumped out of bed, wearing only pajama pants, and felt the cooler air in the room. The rain, combined with the lack of sunlight, had significantly lowered the temperature. He took a hot shower and got dressed, putting on a long-sleeved green shirt with his usual hood, brown pants, and an old boot. They could use the rainy day to buy new equipment.

When he descended to the familiar dining hall, Orkan found his two friends already sitting at the usual table, almost finished with their meal. Even before he could ask, Spes spoke up and said that today Hadria needed to work because the pile of dirty sheets was almost reaching the ceiling, according to Cornelia. "A waste of talent," the Rogue thought, but he kept it to himself because everyone there probably felt the same way.

While eating, Orkan suggested to the other guys what he had thought about, regarding going to buy new equipment. Hunts didn't go well with heavy rain, so they had to find something to do while the weather didn't improve.

"Wouldn't it be better to wait for a day when Hadria could go with us?" Spes asked. He hadn't given up hope that she would join the team.

"I think it's better for us to go without her," Aestus replied. "We need to get used to the idea that she's going to stay here. It's better to start doing some things without her."

The Lagomorph agreed, looking down and folding his light gray napkin. Orkan hurriedly finished his meal, then immediately got up. The less time they spent standing still, the less time they would have to lament. So, they spent the day trying to address more mundane matters. They visited a Blacksmith and bought sturdier armor and a new, more resilient cloak for Spes. They also purchased some accessories, like gloves, boots, and gauntlets. The Blacksmith was exceptional in his craft, charging a hefty price but significantly improving the enchantments on Aestus and Spes's weapons. Orkan, on the other hand, swapped his daggers again, this time opting for a larger pair with extremely sharp obsidian blades.

The next stop was the bank, where they managed their money and set up an account just for the team, which they would use for supplies and essential combat items. With the various contracts they had already completed, they had managed to accumulate a reasonable amount of money, allowing them to live without financial worries for a while. With not much else to do, they decided to look for other Witches in public places in the area.

The day ended up being unproductive. The team returned to the hotel at the end of the day, wet and tired. The rain hadn't let up, further dampening the group's spirits. They found Hadria behind the reception desk, who opened a discreet smile for a split second upon seeing them but quickly returned to her usual expression. The guys recounted how they had spent the day, and the Witch said she didn't have much to report from her side but that she would be free the next day. That news slightly improved their mood, and they had dinner and went to bed early.

Their stay in Foscor was not enjoyable. The city, despite being beautiful and very clean, seemed to be enveloped in a heavy atmosphere that drained their energies. Everything was too perfect, too forced. The next few days dragged on in unproductive monotony. The group gathered for sporadic hunts while making minimal efforts to find a replacement for Hadria. They even found two novice Wizards who seemed interested, but they could barely cast simple spells. Hadria showed them how it was done, intimidating the poor boys with her proficiency (and her laughter).

Feeling that her situation with her mother wouldn't improve, Hadria decided to open her heart to her new friends during a dinner after a long day:

"I've decided I won't accompany you on hunts anymore," she said, her hands in her lap, looking at the other three. Sensing the defeat in her companions' eyes, she added, "Don't get me wrong, I love fighting alongside you. I've never felt so fulfilled in my life. But at the same time, I get so sad when I return to the hotel and realize I won't be able to keep doing this with you. I think, deep down, my mother was right. All of this is just a fantasy of a foolish girl."

The three guys started talking all at once, trying to argue and defend Hadria, but the Witch got up abruptly, silencing them.

"I'm going for a walk. I need to be alone," she said and left, heading toward the main door leading to the street. Without saying a word, the guys agreed that they needed to leave her alone. There were no wise or gentle words that could soothe the heart of someone giving up on their dreams.

The table had a mood worse than a funeral. Spes felt as if he had just said goodbye to a great friend, crying in silence. Aestus, accepting that this was Hadria's fate, was still torn up inside. Orkan, on the other hand, was furious. He got up all at once, knocking over a glass, which shattered loudly, and went to his room. The other customers looked disapprovingly at the Rogue, who couldn't care less. While a proactive waiter cleaned up the mess Orkan had left behind, Spes said:

"I'm heading to my room too, Aestus. Are you coming?"

"No, I'll stay here a little longer. I'm not sleepy."

Spes nodded, wiping his tears on the sleeve of his cloak. He wasn't feeling tired at all, but he thought it best to retire. Aestus remained seated, leaning back in the padded chair, drinking water from a refined goblet, surveying the people and the restaurant around him. All the admiration and fascination he had felt upon arriving in Foscor had turned to aversion. The smiles of the local inhabitants, once warm and friendly, now seemed fake and forced. The greed that ruled the city, exemplified by the figure of Cornelia, had drained all the energy from the place. He couldn't wait to leave and start a new chapter in his adventure.

The Knight remained in the same place, practically motionless, trying to think of a strategy to convince Cornelia, but without success. That mean shrew was determined and uncompromising. The only language she spoke was money. Her life was summed up in that hotel (which Aestus recognized to be majestic). He rested his elbows on the table, propping his chin in his hands. With a sigh, after much pondering, he finally accepted that he had lost this battle. He thought about going after Hadria to try to talk to her but gave up. She could be anywhere in the city, and the Knight still didn't know how to navigate the nearly identical streets of Foscor. His only viable option was to go to sleep.

Meanwhile, Hadria roamed the streets aimlessly. The cold wind brushed against her face, making her glossy hair ripple. Her boots struck the ground angrily, scraping against the cobblestones of the pavement. Her path was erratic, deciding which street to turn onto when she reached a crossroads. Frustrated, she cast random spells, freezing a restaurant sign, drenching the front of a house with water, making a weather vane on a rooftop spin with a small tornado. These were small acts of innocent vandalism to express what she felt. She hoped to encounter a robber or someone with ill intentions to truly vent her anger, but fortunately, no one like that crossed her path.

She couldn't tell how much time she spent walking. It could have been just minutes or long hours. Her brain had shut down, disconnecting from the world and reality to avoid further suffering. The Witch returned to her senses as she walked down a residential street, passing in front of simple yet beautifully landscaped houses. She stopped and looked around, realizing she was a bit lost. Not that it concerned her; far from it. But perhaps it would be challenging to find her way back. However, after a few blocks, she could see the roof and upper floors of the Grandiose Hotel in the distance.

Hadria clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning white. She tried to find strength within herself to defy her mother, but all she found was anger and frustration. Whenever she thought she was mentally winning against her maternal connection, her brain seemed to blink and revert to its original programming, submitting itself to Cornelia's desires. Dismissing her rebellion and returning to her usual apathetic state, Hadria decided to return to the hotel, accepting her predetermined life once again. Now, unlike how she started her nocturnal stroll, she dragged her feet, looking at the ground, her arms hanging limply at her sides. There was nothing left to do but admit defeat.

After walking for a long time, as she approached the back of the hotel, a movement in her peripheral vision caught Hadria's attention. A suspicious figure, about the height of an adult humanoid, was wearing a black cloak with a hood obscuring their face, sneaking between the lampposts, seeking the darkness. It must have been late, as the streets were deserted, with no signs of activity. That's why that person stood out to the girl. Hadria's curiosity was piqued, and her desire for conflict surged back. She walked straight toward the suspicious individual, determined to confront them. The person turned right into a wide street that started at the back of the hotel, disappearing from Hadria's field of vision.

Fearless, the girl made the turn in quick steps, almost running. However, to her surprise, there was no one there anymore. She took a few uncertain steps, almost reaching the middle of the block, looking around, determined to find the suspicious fugitive. This street was particularly empty, consisting mainly of the back sides of nearby businesses, with loading docks. A few lampposts sporadically illuminated the sidewalk, making Hadria's unease worse. When she heard an almost imperceptible noise behind her, she turned around abruptly, materializing her grimoire and glaring at the hooded person.

"Who's there?" Hadria shouted, keeping her grimoire floating by her side, instinctively trying to appear more intimidating.

The enigmatic figure stood in the middle of the street, looking in the direction of the girl. Their black cloak covered their entire body, trailing on the ground, but without any tears or dirt. Maintaining the mystery, the person was in a dark spot on the street, keeping their face covered by the hood and shadows. Nevertheless, a sense of unease ran through Hadria's entire body when that individual finally raised their face and stared at her. She, however, remained still, determined to face whoever it was.

"I was actually looking for you, little Hadria," a male voice with a slight tone of mockery said. "You made my job easier."

"Do I know you by any chance?" She asked, defiantly.

"Oh no, not personally. But in a way, yes. Everyone knows me, I'd say," the man replied, subtly gesturing with his hands. "I'm sorry; I'm a bit nervous. It's been a while since I've had a conversation with a person like this, face to face." Even though she couldn't see him clearly, Hadria could tell he was smiling.

"I'm not in the mood for small talk today, you weirdo. I wouldn't provoke me if I were you. Just tell me what you want," Hadria said, slowly tilting her head to the right. She was annoyed but also intrigued.

"Straightforward, just the way I like it," the man said, letting out a chuckle. "So, I know you're feeling down because you're stuck in an unfavorable situation. I can fix that for you, if you want." He extended both hands toward the girl. His tone of voice was forcibly gentle, sounding slighty facetious.

Hadria hesitated before responding, trying to imagine what this mysterious and suspicious man could mean. What she wanted most was a solution to her problem, but she couldn't see any possible alternative that was also reasonable. She decided to retort, "I'm not interested. You can go."

The man laughed, lifting his head slightly and bringing his hand to his face, running his fingers over his beard. For a moment, Hadria thought she recognized those features.

"I don't know why I said I could help solve things. I guess I wanted to seem friendly, maybe. But, actually, it doesn't matter what you want or don't want. I will do what needs to be done," the man said, his voice taking on a more serious and threatening tone. "After all, people need a little nudge in the right direction from time to time."

"I said I'm not in the mood! Go away!" Hadria shouted, getting irritated and conjuring a wind spell toward the man. A thin gust, acting like a blade, struck the man's face, knocking his hood backward and making him turn his face. At that moment, the Witch widened her black eyes, recognizing her opponent even in that low light.

Hiner turned his head and stared back at Hadria with a wide smile on his face. He took a few steps toward the girl, stopping under a lamppost, entering the cone of light that allowed his complete visibility. The spot on his face where he was hit by Hadria's spell, on the right apple of his cheek, now had a horizontal cut from which a trickle of blood flowed. The Wizard wiped his thumb over the cut and then looked at the blood, with a mixed expression of surprise and admiration. Hadria, though it might not have seemed like it, was frozen in fear, wondering if she had done the right thing.

"You managed to hurt me, Hadria," Hiner said, wiping the blood from his hand on his cloak. His voice was calm, almost happy. "You must be very powerful to do that, especially with such a simple spell. But enough playing around." In a swift motion, he raised his right arm, materializing a small and simple grimoire that also floated in the air. "Stop!"

Hadria felt her body suddenly freeze in place, unable to move a muscle. Her heart still beat weakly, and her lungs could barely draw in air, but otherwise, nothing else moved. Her grimoire, which was hovering by her side, fell onto the street pavement, with a muffled thud. Her left hand, however, still remained in the same position but no longer controlling her weapon. No matter how hard she tried to resist the spell, all her efforts were in vain. It was a horrible, incapacitating feeling. She was completely defenseless and vulnerable in front of Kairos's most powerful person.

"I thought you'd be more flexible, more open to my proposals, Hadria," Hiner said, playing with his grimoire in the air. On impulse and without thinking, he brought his left hand over the wound on his face, which shone with a fleeting white light. When he removed his hand, his skin was immaculate, without any signs of a cut or blood. Realizing what he had done, Hiner hesitated and looked at Hadria, then broke into a smile. "Oops, I guess you found out my secret," and he laughed.

Hadria's brain was on the verge of short-circuiting. A Dark Wizard could never heal themselves with magic; that was something only a Light Mage could do. She was certain of what she had seen. How could Hiner use abilities from two different Classes? Hadria wondered if her paralysis had affected her reasoning and perception, but she knew it hadn't. Her eyes burned, dry and unable to blink. The discomfort she felt was real, just like what she had witnessed.

"But let's get this over with, shall we?" The man said, raising his hand a little and conjuring a fireball in the air, which began spinning and growing, much like it did in Silvi. Hadria didn't fear death, but she also didn't want this to be her end. "Just remember two things: first, don't believe everything you're told, and second, what you see isn't always the truth."

Meanwhile, the blazing orb continued to expand, illuminating the entire street, casting eerie shadows that danced around. Hadria could feel the heat on her face, which was incompatible with the distance and size of the fireball. Hiner's power was truly unmatched, injecting an absurd amount of energy into the spells he cast. He closed his eyes and extended his left arm above his head, ready to throw his miniature artificial sun. But before doing so, he glanced at the girl again, with a slight smile on his face, and said:

"To paraphrase the saying: the 'grandioser' they are, the harder they fall. Ah, that was a good one!" Then, Hiner snapped his fingers, splitting the fireball into nine smaller orbs arranged in a straight line in the air. In a swift motion, he made a short, quick gesture with his hand, hurling the nine orbs in the direction of the Grandiose Hotel. The projectiles expanded just before hitting the building, creating flames that reached various points and heights, all simultaneously and silently. A silent fire began to spread throughout the building, still discreet but growing exponentially.

Hiner looked back, admiring his work, proud, very different from years ago when he set fire to that orphanage. As the flames spread, clouds of black smoke began to rise, obscuring the moons in the sky. The Wizard fixed his eyes on Hadria again, who was starting to show signs of regaining her mobility. Putting his hood back on, Hiner bid farewell:

"Well, I have to go. Until next time, Hadria!" Before he started running, he stopped for a moment, remembering something, raising his index finger and raising his eyebrows. "Oh, I almost forgot! My next grand appearance will be in Dunascas! That's valuable information, isn't it? Goodbye, goodbye!" And he sprinted away, disappearing from the girl's view.

Hadria struggled with all her might to break free from the spell and move. She could now feel her fingertips moving and blinked her eyes, bringing relief to her dry corneas. Meanwhile, the fire continued to grow and spread without any obstacles. As much as she despised the hotel, seeing it burn didn't make her feel any better. Hadria could only imagine how her friends and family inside were doing, creating horrifying scenarios in her mind. Seconds dragged on, and she still couldn't move, helplessly witnessing the beginning of the disaster that was about to unfold.

***

Orkan was still in a deep sleep, sprawled on the bed, face down, with one leg bent. He was abruptly awakened by loud banging on the door and shouts coming from the hallway. His brain was still trying to process what was happening when his room door was violently kicked open. The Rogue jumped onto his feet, still somewhat dazed but ready to defend himself. To add to his confusion, he found Aestus standing there, wearing only shorts, holding the broken door, with Spes right behind him, dressed in his new cloak, both hands on his face, eyes wide with panic.

"Grab your things! The hotel's on fire!" Aestus shouted, tossing the broken door into the hallway. Spes crouched in time, narrowly avoiding being hit. Before Orkan could fully process the information, Aestus had already left the room. Spes stood there, dazed, torn between helping his friend or grabbing his own belongings.

Activating his senses, Orkan could hear people running and shouting on the upper floors, the sound of the fire devouring the wood of the hotel from different, unspecified locations, he could smell the harsh smoke. In milliseconds, the Rogue was up, dressing quickly and shoving what was important into his backpack. Spes decided to do the same, realizing the urgency of the situation. In very little time, Orkan had packed up his belongings (as much as he could) and tossed them out of the room window, planning to retrieve them later.

Aestus and Orkan left the room almost simultaneously, heading towards Spes' room. The Mage had just finished packing his things and looked like he was dissociating from reality. He muttered, "People are going to... the fire... we..."

"Spes! I need you to focus! We'll try to help whoever we can and get out of here, okay?" Aestus said firmly, holding his friend's shoulders and crouching down to be at his eye level. Meanwhile, Orkan also tossed Spes' luggage out into the street. Spes focused his eyes on Aestus and nodded, regaining control of his thoughts.

The three young men hurriedly left through the hallway, banging on the doors as they passed and listening for cries of help. Some people were running toward the exit, while others were still lost, trying to understand what was happening. The fire had not yet reached the area they were in, so everything still felt distant and surreal. However, when they climbed two flights of stairs, they saw a thick, black cloud beginning to dominate the environment. The temperature was noticeably rising, making them sweat and their clothes stick to their bodies. The group noticed that most of the guests had already evacuated.

In the middle of the hallway, a few meters ahead of the group, two young Lagomorph children in pajamas were crying, huddled together, alone. Spes rushed over to them, crouching down and trying to comfort them while asking about their parents. Aestus and Orkan checked the rooms around, trying to find other people nearby, but found no one. Aestus decided to carry the two small children to the nearest exit, but as soon as he stood up with the kids in his arms, a piece of the ceiling collapsed very close to where they were. The upper floor was completely engulfed in flames. Flames whipped the air, seeming to seek out victims to consume. The heat seared their skin, and the smoke thickened significantly.

The group retreated, trying to escape the danger, afraid that more of the ceiling would collapse. Spes tried to create a protective shield around the debris, but the extreme heat and direct contact with the fire quickly destroyed his magic. The children's cries only grew louder with each passing second, adding to the cacophony of the rapidly deteriorating hotel. Orkan pointed to a staircase a bit ahead, guiding the group and sprinting ahead. However, as if the Grandiose Hotel were an entity trying to punish the group, another section of the ceiling collapsed almost on top of Orkan, who leaped forward just in time, avoiding it by mere millimeters. Now, the Rogue was separated from his friends, who were trapped between two piles of flaming debris.

Orkan was on the ground, lying on his back with his elbows supporting him. He got up, coughing, and looked for another way he could help, even though he knew there was no way he could assist his friends. Soon he gave up, resigned, and yelled, "I'm going to get help!" He rushed down the stairs, moving at an unsafe speed.

Spes, trying to keep the children, Aestus, and himself safe, created a protective dome, attempting to prevent the smoke from intoxicating them. Since they were farther from the flames, this dome managed to hold up. The Knight was on his knees, trying to comfort the young Lagomorphs, assuring them that they would get out of there soon, but he had no idea how they would manage it. It was only a matter of time before the entire ceiling collapsed and killed everyone there.

***

In less than a minute, Orkan had descended six flights of stairs, gasping for breath, his vision momentarily blurred. He found himself in the lobby, where a crowd had gathered. Employees were evacuating guests, many people were crying, teams of Wizards were organizing to try to extinguish the fire with their spells... It was pandemonium. The Rogue didn't know what to do, whom to ask for help, scanning the entire area for some idea. He was the tallest person there, allowing him to see everyone around. However, a voice calling his name made him look toward the entrance.

"Orkan!" It was Hadria, with an urgency in her voice that reminded him a bit of his mother. The young man ran to the small Witch, pushing through some people on the way.

Orkan was covered in soot, his clothes singed, and his blond hair dirty, while Hadria looked impeccable, only her forehead damp with sweat. The Rogue stood in front of the girl, much taller than her, having to look directly downward.

"I know who caused this. Where are the others?" Hadria said, her voice rising above the surrounding chaos.

"Come with me! We'll talk later!" Orkan picked up the girl without thinking much about how she felt about it. Fortunately, she assumed the situation must be an emergency and didn't feel disrespected.

The Rogue bypassed the crowd, where Hadria recognized several familiar faces. She looked for her family but couldn't find them. She felt a bit worried, but before she could scan the entire lobby, Orkan was already heading back up the stairs, moving slower than when he had descended. He didn't say anything, focusing on his breathing, trying to make the return journey as fast as possible. As they ascended, Hadria could glimpse the state of the hotel's interior. With each floor they reached, the destruction and heat increased.

Upon reaching the sixth floor, the scene was terrifying. They could barely access the corridor. The flames reached the ceiling, and the smoke obstructed their view. Breathing there was painful, making their lungs burn.

"They're right there!" Orkan gasped, pointing to the middle of the corridor. His voice was almost inaudible amid the constant crackling of the fire.

Hadria didn't need any more information. She materialized her grimoire, and almost instantly, she cast a spell toward the flames. Three thick jets of water gushed from her outstretched hand, causing the fire to hiss and extinguish. Orkan could see Spes standing behind a pile of rubble, maintaining his protective dome around Aestus and the children. He looked exhausted but determined. Before Orkan could celebrate, the flames roared back to life, turning the corridor into the inferno it had been before.

"Hiner caused this fire! His spell is stronger than mine; I won't be able to extinguish it!" Hadria said, noticing the confusion and despair on Orkan's face.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the corridor, Spes saw Hadria trying to help them, but to no avail. The flicker of hope he had left was extinguished, and he fell into despair. To make matters worse, a piece of the ceiling fell onto the edge of the dome, causing it to crack. Smoke and heat began to invade the small safe space that remained.

"You have to do something, Aestus! I won't be able to protect us much longer!" Spes shouted, gripping his staff with trembling hands, sweat streaming down his face and body.

"I... I don't know what to do..." Aestus said, defeated. He alternated his gaze between Spes and the children, feeling lost.

"You're the only one who can! You can't let us die!"

Those words from Spes served as a trigger for Aestus. He remembered his promise to protect everyone, after what had happened to his parents in the mine many years ago. The Knight stood up, tensing all his muscles, causing them to shine under the layer of sweat. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were half-closed. As he materialized his sword, the blue crystal at its base shone intensely, blending with the orange light of the surrounding fire. He held his weapon with both hands, keeping the blade in front of his body, pointing upwards, standing in front of Spes, looking in the direction where Orkan and Hadria were.

"I will honor my words," he said softly, teeth clenched. Then he shouted, "Clear the way, WAVES OF THE DEEP!"

Aestus made two perpendicular slashes with his sword, creating two beams of intense blue light that hung in front of him. As he made a third cut in the air, a shockwave was sent down the corridor, breaking Spes's dome and sweeping away the debris blocking their path. The entire fire was extinguished as if many gallons of water had been poured all at once. Orkan and Hadria jumped onto the stairs from where they had come, narrowly avoiding being hit by their friend's powerful attack.

Upon seeing the corridor cleared, Aestus quickly picked up the two children with one hand and Spes with the other, carrying them to the exit. They joined Hadria and Orkan, who were already making their way back down. When they reached halfway down the stairs, the entire ceiling on the sixth floor collapsed, destroying the section they had been in just seconds before. The Knight managed to keep his promise, protecting the people he cared about.

As they reached the lobby, they found the hotel practically empty, with a few people at the door. The fire had already reached the ground floor, beginning to destroy the large reception desk and the makeshift Guild stand. The group ran out of the building. They were dirty, with burns on their bodies, and their clothes in terrible condition, but at least they were alive and safe. A Lagomorph couple ran toward them, crying, taking the children from Aestus's arms.

"My children! My children!" the mother exclaimed, relieved and emotional. She trembled and kissed the children's heads as they sobbed uncontrollably.

"Thank you, we got separated from them in the crowd," a Lagomorph said, holding two other children in his arms.

Aestus smiled, satisfied that he had fulfilled his role. Spes was busy drinking a revitalizing potion and looking for other injured people so he could heal them, while Orkan had gone to the square to catch his breath and rest. Hadria, on the other hand, was searching for her family, asking around if anyone had seen them. She was soon informed by a Humanoid that they were gathered a little further ahead.

"Hadria! Where were you?" her father asked, finally appearing not to be exhausted. He was wearing a dark robe over his pajamas and dirty slippers on his feet. Her mother was embracing her other children and, upon seeing Hadria, went to her with unsteady steps.

"I thought I had lost you, dear. I wouldn't have been able to live in peace if I had lost you here today," Cornelia said, tears streaming down her face. She was wearing a simple black dress with a jacket borrowed from some other Minati. Her bun was no longer immaculate, with many stray hairs out of place.

The whole family looked in the direction of the Grandiose Hotel, which was burning strongly. For the first time in many years, Foscor was illuminated as if it were day, but in a eerie and deadly way. Some synthetic plants were melting around, nearby buildings were already being hit by flaming debris. Hadria looked into Cornelia's eyes and said, "You know what you have to do, Mom."

Cornelia nodded, then looked to her husband for encouragement. Vasimo gave a small nod, not needing to say anything more. The powerful lady stepped away from her family, seeking a more open spot in the crowd watching the hotel burn. She closed her eyes, lowered her head, and brought her hands together in front of her chest in supplication. All around her, people fell silent, watching this scene in awe. Many of them knew what was happening, but still found it hard to believe. After many years, Cornelia was finally summoning an entity.

The Minati woman whispered inaudible words, concentrating. Then, she raised her head and opened her eyes. Unlike their usual black void, they now shone white as two enchanted pearls. Her hair came loose from its bun, cascading down like a shiny black veil. Before her, water began to well up from the ground, as if a spring had burst forth from the earth. A circle of stones grew, creating a small pond with the accumulating water, and a large rock in the center.

The people around watched in wonder as this magical scene unfolded. Some of the pond's water leaped on top of the central rock, taking shape. It was possible to see the torso of a woman attached to a large fish tail, still entirely composed of water. Completing the invocation, Cornelia said, her voice gentle yet firm, "Iara, mother of the waters, come to our aid with your incredible powers!"

As soon as Cornelia finished the invocation, a light flashed, and the water on the rock took on the form of Iara. She was a very beautiful woman, with brown skin the color of a lovely clay pot. She had long straight black hair that reached her hips, adorned with colorful stones and foliage. Her face bore a red painting across her forehead and also over her beautiful black eyes. Various necklaces of different sizes, made of beads and blue crystals, hung around her neck. Instead of legs, she had a fish tail covered in yellow and black striped scales, forming a beautiful and iridescent pattern. Her face had soft features but with a warrior's and incisive gaze.

Cornelia made a reverence to the entity before her, thanking her for answering her call. Iara, the enchantress of the waters, returned the gesture, showing subservience to her Summoner. Cornelia pointed to the Grandiose Hotel, which had become a massive open-air bonfire. Iara needed no further instruction, as she was mentally connected to the powerful Invocator. The entity created a water pathway to the top of the grand structure, swiftly swimming up with her large tail.

In no time, Iara was floating above the Grand Hotel, swimming in a large water bubble, making circular movements. She began to sing a beautiful melody, audible throughout the city, bringing tranquility and comfort to all blessed by her voice. Large volumes of water were cast upon the hotel, falling like powerful waterfalls, dousing it in its entirety. The fire was gradually but swiftly extinguished. In moments, the fire had been brought under control, with only scattered embers remaining. Now, only the blackened shell of the hotel was left.

The upper floors had been entirely consumed by the flames. The remainder floors stood precariously, threatening to collapse at any moment. The city's largest building now consisted only of ashes and sorrow. The burnt wood of the walls served as a reminder that all power is temporary and can crumble at any moment. Nothing is eternal.

Iara returned to her pond formed in front of Cornelia, bidding farewell to her Summoner. The entity submerged into the water, which was absorbed by the ground along with the stones, leaving no trace of her existence. Exhaustion from the effort she hadn't exerted in years, combined with the acceptance that her greatest reason for living had been destroyed, caused Cornelia to fall to her knees on the ground. Once an imposing and feared lady, she was now just a desolate figure deserving of pity. Her children, except for Hadria, rushed to her, embracing her. Vasimo stood behind her, ready in case his wife fainted.

"How could this happen? All the security systems were functioning; I personally verified them recently," Cornelia said, inconsolable.

"It was Hiner who did this," Hadria said, standing in front of her mother. "I was there when he used a spell to set the hotel on fire. Against Hiner's spells, there's no security system that can solve it."

"Hiner? But what does that idiot want with this? What does he gain from destroying my hotel?"

"There's no logic in the things he does," Aestus said, approaching the family. "He enjoys destruction, chaos, suffering. He needs to be stopped!"

Cornelia stood up, leaning on her children and husband. She positioned herself at Hadria's eye level, staring into her daughter's eyes. A growing, silent hatred bubbled in the matriarch's heart. The only thing that would appease that feeling was revenge. She said to Hadria, her voice trembling with anger:

"You can go with your friends, go on your hunts, but only return after you've killed that bastard. Defend the honor of your family; that's your mission."

Cornelia's words flowed from her mouth and, like the vapors of incense, wafted through the air and entered Hadria's brain. It was as if a candle had been magically lit, illuminating the way out of Foscor, which had previously been lost in darkness. The young Witch embraced her mother, after many years without any touch or display of affection. Vasimo and the other children joined in the hug, uniting the entire family as if they were one being. After witnessing this scene, Spes had teary, unfocused eyes, lost in his memories. Noticing this, Orkan spoke to him, trying to console him:

"Does it bring back memories, Spes?"

"Yeah, I always remember E..." Spes closed his eyes and shook his head. "I remember Milo. I miss my brother a lot; he was the only family I had left." And, with a more animated voice, speaking rapidly, he added: "But let me go heal more people. There are many wounded here" and the Lagomorph hurried away, sniffing his nose, trying to pretend he wasn't emotional. Orkan and Aestus also dispersed, helping to organize the chaos around the destroyed hotel.

While Spes made his rounds, quickly healing those in need, his mind worked, absorbed in thoughts:

"I almost said your name at that moment, Evely. It was close; I was too distracted. I need to be more careful, right? But this is just to prove that I haven't forgotten you and I never will."

The Lagomorph continued walking among the people, trying to attend to as many injured as possible, always gentle and attentive. His gaze met Aestus's, who waved to the Mage, content. Spes smiled broadly, thinking:

"My friends have no idea what my objectives are; I'm sure of it." Spes thought, now looking at Orkan, who was checking their backpacks he had found on the ground. "But my plan will succeed. I will avenge you, Evely. People need to know the truth."