Sadness, pain, suffering, loss, hatred... The near future didn't seem very pleasant. The Oracle closed their eyes once again, resting their right elbow on their left arm, holding their temples with their fingers. This time, they envisioned the distant future. Images flashed through their mind too quickly to focus on details and exact consequences. This was a recent novelty, as their visions were usually clear and defined. They paused and concentrated, determining exactly which actions they would take. With that, the near future formed in their mind. It was exactly what they had planned.

They then tried to focus on the more distant future. Once again, the images were unclear, despite having determined what would be done. This was relatively encouraging, as the usual was always seeing the apocalypse and the destruction of Kairos. The puzzle was still in its early stages, with several loose pieces scattered across the table. Trying to fit them together now would not be easy or appropriate. It wouldn't help in the image that was forming with what had been assembled.

However, some pieces were fitting together. Others were approaching and would soon enter the game. Aestus and Orkan were already a match, but the addition of Spes to the board changed everything. The variables needed to be controlled and put in the right direction. This next move would be daring, the first major interference in our heroes' story. Of course, several interferences had been made before, behind the scenes, individually. But this time was different. It was more personal, direct. Therefore, it was much riskier. But as they say, you only win big when you bet big.

The Oracle, still with their eyes closed, checked if they themself was prepared to handle this undertaking. They felt their magical power at full capacity, their physical strength was elevated, their endurance was above average. They could even conjure any entity he wanted at this moment. It had been a long time since they had used their power in this complete way. It would be good to dust off several abilities they hadn't used. That made them excited, at least until they thought about the consequences that were about to come.

They took a deep breath and opened their eyes. Reality hit them like a punch to the solar plexus. The time had come to shape the future.

***

The clinic was almost closing. Janis was already organizing all the diagnostic materials. Keun had gone to pick up his children from school a while ago. Spes was finishing up with the last patients of the day: a mother had brought her son with symptoms of poisoning. The Mage knelt down and handed a lollipop to the child, who hugged him in return, expressing gratitude. Now it was just time to go home and hope that there wouldn't be any emergency cases. Spes bid farewell to the two patients and closed the clinic, switching off the illuminated sign at the entrance. He went to the office where Janis was, stretching and causing some relieving cracks in his spine. She was sitting in front of a desk, organizing papers and yawning.

The room was brightly lit, equipped with modern devices, an examination table in one corner, and a long white table right next to the door. The equipment was rarely used since Mages could properly examine a patient solely using their powers. The powerful lighting, however, aided in the observation of different types of injuries or reactions that patients presented. The abundant decorative plants added a contrast to the minimalism of the rest of the office.

"Ready to go home?" Spes asked, excitedly. "I'm in desperate need of a shower."

"I'm exhausted, I need to sleep early tonight," Janis replied, rubbing her eyes. "Now it's just a matter of going home, getting into the bathtub, and relaxing while reading a little book."

"Don't even mention it. Today I'm only leaving the house if someone drags me by the ears!"

And, ironically, an alarm sounded in the city. The sound was loud and concerning, ringing three times. The two colleagues looked towards the window, trying to imagine what it could be. The alarm had been rarely triggered lately, used to warn about Creature invasions. In such cases, some guards would head to the dangerous location to handle the battles, and nearby residents would remain on alert, ready to provide any necessary assistance. However, previously, the siren had only rung once, followed by information about the emergency. It had never been sounded three times before. It was worrisome. Spes looked at Janis, who seemed wide awake and apprehensive.

"Attention, residents of Silvi," the mayor's voice echoed through the city's sound system. "A large number of Creatures is heading towards the northern boundary of the city. I call upon all guards and capable inhabitants to make their way to the designated location marked by a flag, at the end of Street 8. Residents in the northern region should leave their homes and seek shelter in the city center, with the option to enter the hall of the great tree. All help will be needed. Repeating: a large number..." And the message was repeated once more.

Revitalized by the imminent danger, Spes hurried to the nearest cabinet and began preparing a potion belt. He mentally reviewed the types he would need, the appropriate quantity to bring, and the route he would take to reach the northern boundary. In no time, he was ready to go, heading towards the door, when he noticed Janis still sitting at the desk, unresponsive. He turned back and knelt in front of the table, entering her field of vision. She was clearly in panic, seemingly starting to breathe again only at that moment. Spes took her hands, looked into her eyes, and said:

"Janis, breathe. It's going to be alright. But we need to go, like, right now. No pressure."

"I can't..." Her voice barely came out. "I don't know what to do."

She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. Janis had always been an incredible Mage but extremely insecure. Being young and lacking much experience, she felt the need to go over everything she did in the clinic with Spes or Keun. Her knowledge and magical power had grown considerably in recent years, but her self-confidence had not. Moreover, she was not inclined towards violence and had no combat skills.

"I've never faced a Creature in my life," she continued, her voice choked, "I won't know what to do."

Spes thought for just a few seconds, looking around. The clinic was well-equipped but very small. A strategy formed in his mind.

"I know," Spes said, snapping his fingers. "You can go to the hall of the great tree. Many people will go there and they'll be scared. Then I'll also ask them to send the injured there. You can handle that easily, right?"

The Mage regained her composure, lightly sniffing and nodding. She quickly got up and started gathering materials to take to the town hall. Spes bid her farewell and rushed out the door without looking back. The city streets were crowded with people, most of them lost and unsure where to go. As he made his way, Spes stopped and tried to calm down the most desperate residents, giving them instructions. People thanked him and wished him luck. In truth, not even Spes knew exactly what was happening, but he knew that maintaining calmness was crucial. A Warrior Lagomorph was climbing into a small vehicle and offered the Mage a ride. Spes jumped on the back, and the two of them proceeded along the street at a moderate speed due to the congestion. Along the way, they could see many Mages, but very few people from other Classes. The fight wouldn't be easy.

***

The hall of the great tree was still very crowded. Municipal employees shouted orders in a cacophony of voices. Baruc had left, accompanied by his uniformed guards. Tapiti had been taken to a safe location from where she would command the different fronts. The chaotic movement reminded Aestus of a trampled anthill, where ants bumped into each other without a clear objective. A battle of this magnitude was something he had only read about in history books. Something akin to the Magnor uprising or the various attacks led by the Reptoids. Now that the long-awaited moment had arrived, Aestus didn't feel ready. It had been less than a week since he had embarked on the life of a Hunter.

"Let's go!" Orkan exclaimed, a confident smile on his face. "What are we waiting for?"

Aestus snapped out of his reverie. His friend stood before him, testing his materializer and adjusting his gear. Who would have thought that Orkan, the Rogue known for his selfishness, would be so eager to defend Silvi from an attack? Inspired by his friend's enthusiasm, Aestus took a deep breath and began checking his leather armor, his boots, and his materializer. "In the end, we're not so different," he thought, a proud smile on his face.

"I bet they'll offer a hefty reward to whoever kills the most Creatures," Orkan added, looking at the blade of one of his daggers. Aestus's shoulders slumped as he confronted the reality. Perhaps he was indeed an incurable dreamer.

They walked out through the door of the hall, reaching the illuminated square. The scene was truly chaotic. Some people carried children, running towards the hall. Many others were locking the doors of nearby shops and houses. The square was brightly lit and crowded, with discernible different groups of people. The lanterns were strong, providing ample illumination for the decorative elements, benches, and paths. At the moment, the lights were enabling the residents to see maps and equipment as they devised defensive and offensive strategies. The two Hunters decided to run to the northern boundary of the city. Once they arrived there, they would decide how to proceed.

The path was tumultuous, with streets filled with confused and frightened people. Most of them were lost and scared, with only a few preparing to battle and defend the city. Aestus didn't make an exact count, but the majority of the inhabitants he saw were not wearing attire that indicated their Classes. However, the ones in typical attire were mostly Light Mages. Without Baruc's assistance, the city would be easily overrun by the Creatures. He tried to recall the image of the Creatures approaching the city to estimate their numbers. There were many, countless. The more he thought about it, the worse the anticipation became.

After a longer time than they had anticipated, they reached the city's boundary. As they couldn't run freely and had to maneuver through the people, the two young individuals were not tired or out of breath. The night had fallen, and the moons were not shining brightly tonight, casting darkness over the field ahead. Silvi's lights ended near the last houses, providing little illumination. They spotted a green flag with black designs, raised on a tall, slender wooden mast. At its base stood a group of people in front of a white-haired Lagomorph Knight. He stood atop a wooden stump, allowing everyone around to see him, apparently giving orders and assigning tasks. From where Aestus stood, he couldn't make out what was being said. The two friends quickly approached, standing in the last rows of people.

"So, here's the plan," the Knight spoke with a powerful voice that reached everyone around. "Knights and Fighters will group up and face the larger Creatures. Rogues and Archers will focus on the smaller, swifter ones. Guardians will protect the Wizards, who will attack from a distance. Since we have many Mages, all groups will have some in the rear. The other Classes can distribute themselves as needed."

Aestus looked at his friend by his side. Orkan appeared confident and eager, but Aestus knew the Rogue was just as nervous as he was. It was such a grand battle, and they wouldn't even be fighting side by side to help each other. They would have to rely on strangers, some of whom were very inexperienced. Looking around, he could see that almost no one had materializers. Many were wielding old and poorly maintained weapons. Aestus, however, tried to push those thoughts out of his mind, wiping the sweat from his forehead as if he could literally brush away any worries with his hand.

Aestus quickly joined the groups as they formed around him, following the Lagomorph elder's instructions. The two friends exchanged another glance and nodded subtly at each other. Orkan turned and headed toward a small group of Archers that had formed. Aestus ran after his friend, calling out his name.

"Orkan! Wait up!"

The blond young man stopped and looked at his friend, surprised by a sudden, tight embrace. Orkan hugged him back.

"Take care, please," Aestus said, without breaking the embrace.

"You too," Orkan replied, squeezing his friend tighter.

Aestus patted Orkan's arm twice and went to find a group to join. As he walked through the crowd, he passed by a young girl who appeared to be around 16 years old. She had full, beautifully maintained curly hair. Her attire consisted of a lightweight, golden tunic partially covered by a dark pink shawl. That kind of clothing was unmistakable, typically worn by Summoners. It was a rare and powerful Class. They were capable of summoning entities to fight alongside them, each representing an element. Aestus managed to overhear part of a conversation as he passed by.

"I can only summon the wind entity; I don't know if I'll be very useful," she said to an older man, apparently Classless.

"That's more than enough, dear," he replied, patting her head. "The Saci is a very agile entity. Just stay focused so he can fight and assist the others."

"I'll be by your side, sweetheart. Don't worry," a mature woman said as she adjusted a quiver on her back. Aestus assumed she was the girl's mother, who would be in the rear as an Archer.

However, he couldn't continue listening to the conversation. Aestus moved away, spotting a group of Knights and Fighters up ahead. He approached them, greeting everyone in a general manner, receiving responses with little attention. There were more female Knights than males in the group, but Fighters were predominantly male. Some people were stretching, while others warmed up, practicing strikes barehanded. Fighters were a Class specialized in unarmed combat, not requiring weapons to defeat opponents.

Aestus was already feeling relatively warmed up from his earlier run. He decided to analyze the battlefield, distancing himself a bit from the group. The night was pleasant, with a constant gentle breeze. The vast open field, intersected by a river, was submerged in darkness, making it impossible to discern what lay at a relatively short distance. Fighting in these conditions would be very difficult. Humans and Lagomorphs, unlike the Minatis, didn't see as well in the dark. Would it be necessary to place torches scattered throughout the field?

A low hum in the distance caught Aestus' attention. He looked around, trying to locate the source of the sound. It seemed to be coming from the sky, but from a great distance. Suddenly, as if someone had flipped a switch, the entire area was illuminated. It was possible to see all the way to the edge of the forest now. Aestus looked toward the source of the light and was startled. Baruc's airships were hovering over Silvi, suspended in the air at a low altitude. Each of the airships had two powerful spotlights that were directed straight at the expansive lawn in front of the city. The young man was still impressed by the strength of the lights when he was startled by the screams of the people around him.

Following their gaze and pointing fingers, Aestus could see that some Creatures had already burst out of the forest to the north and were heading toward the city. Some were running at high speeds, while others were walking or flying without haste. There were some large ones, like iron giants and quetzalcoatlas, as well as several smaller creatures, such as slimes and various giant insects. However, Hiner had not yet appeared. Aestus rejoined his group, arriving just in time to hear some final strategies and instructions. The time had come.

The Knights and Fighters positioned themselves side by side, facing the deadly horde. Time seemed to stand still as they waited for some order or signal to begin. Aestus gripped his sword tightly, the veins in his arms pulsating and visible. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple, and as it dropped from his face, several Knights let out war cries, initiating the attack. The groups surged forward, fast but organized.

Suddenly, Aestus felt as if he had been enveloped by a translucent sphere that appeared around him and vanished soon after. He witnessed the same happening to the people around him, suposing it was some form of magic. Looking back, he could see several Light Mages casting spells towards the combatants, their staves emanating rays of light. Aestus felt more confident and secure. He pressed forward, scanning the field ahead, searching for a Creature to engage. A short distance away, a saber-toothed Creature was running toward him.

The Creature resembled a blend of a large feline and a wolf, with massive paws and menacing fangs protruding from its mouth. It was a formidable and ungainly beast, possessing great strength. Its bite was extremely dangerous and had to be avoided at all costs. Its body was covered in a brown fur, with a subtle and disheveled mane. Aestus closed in on the Creature, launching a preemptive strike. The weak blow landed above its left foreleg, eliciting a loud roar. Yet, it was not enough to bring it down.

Locking eyes, the saber-toothed beast and Aestus circled each other, moving laterally in a dance of anticipation. The Creature lunged forward with lightning speed, catching Aestus off guard and sinking its teeth into his right leg. He braced himself for excruciating pain but felt only a dull impact on his calf. The only plausible explanation was the protective magic he had received. It proved to be truly invaluable. However, Aestus couldn't afford to dwell on it now. The Creature swiftly launched another attack, but this time, he held it at bay with his sword. Seizing the opportunity while the saber-toothed beast was momentarily dazed by the blocked strike, Aestus unleashed a rapid horizontal slash, spinning on his axis and immediately following up with a stronger second blow.

The sword cut through the Creature with efficiency, vanquishing it and causing crystalline shards to materialize in its place. Aestus paid no attention to the shards, already seeking another target. Surveying the surroundings, the situation appeared dire for the residents of Silvi. The number of Creatures continued to increase, and unfortunately, the efforts of the combatants were falling short. Some individuals lay fallen upon the grass, with Light Mages nearing the battlefield to heal those they could. However, Aestus' assessment of the situation was abruptly interrupted when a powerful explosion next to him sent him hurtling away, causing him to lose consciousness.

***

Orkan was fighting alongside two other Rogues, dealing with the smaller Creatures. The battles were swift, often ending with one or two strikes of his daggers. His primary targets were giant flies, giant scorpions, and mutualists. These were Creatures that appeared to be a fusion between an animal and a plant, often venomous, with vine-like tendrils resembling tentacles. The most common form Orkan encountered in that battle was the mutualist spider. That place was truly unsuitable for anyone with entomophobia.

When there were no smaller Creatures nearby to engage, Orkan would attempt to assist nearby Knights in defeating the larger Creatures. He was cautious, not focusing solely on solo attacks. He spotted a Knight locked in combat with an armadillo and moved toward her to lend a hand. The armadillo was oversized, larger than a human. It was a massive Creature with a sturdy brown shell and protruding, sharp claws. The armadillo could stand on its hind legs to attack and curl into a ball to defend itself. At that moment, the Knight stood with her sword raised, locked in a stare-down with the Creature, which stood on its hind legs with its front claws bared.

Orkan managed to approach the armadillo unnoticed, stabbing its right side below the front paw, in an area unprotected by its shell. The Creature turned, swiping at the Rogue but missing the strike. Taking advantage of the distraction, the Knight struck the Creature on its left side and quickly stepped back, positioning herself next to Orkan. The armadillo was wounded but showed no sign of being close to defeat. Orkan wanted to suggest attack strategies to the woman beside him, but he didn't want to take his eyes off their opponent and risk a sudden assault. Unexpectedly, the Creature conjured a cloud of dirt and sand, hurling it toward the two combatants, causing temporary blindness for both.

The pain from the attack was negligible, but Orkan couldn't see anything. He rubbed his eyes with his left hand while extending his right arm in front of him, as if his dagger could ward off any attack. Suddenly, a gust of wind emerged between the Knight and Orkan, blowing upwards toward the Creature. It cleared enough of the dirt from the Rogue's eyes for him to open them. Before him stood a shirtless man, lean yet strong. His torso was muscular, his arms outstretched as if shielding Orkan. He had only his left leg, which was formed by a swirling gray cloud. Orkan was astonished to see an Entity before him for the first time.

The Saci was the Entity linked to the element of air. An Invoker must have been nearby, responsible for its appearance. The armadillo reacted to the Saci's arrival, charging at the enemy, leaping with its claws extended in a sweeping arc. The Entity created a sphere of wind in its hand and hurled it towards the Creature, striking it in the chest. The armadillo spun backward in the air, landing on its back with its claws sprawled open, vulnerable to attacks. Orkan seized the opportunity and leaped, driving both daggers into the Creature's abdomen, instantly defeating it.

Realizing his victory, Orkan turned around to express his gratitude to the Saci. But the Entity had already transformed into a whirlwind, moving on to aid other combatants. The Knight, equally bewildered, nodded in acknowledgment to the Rogue and headed back towards her group. Orkan looked around, searching for the people he had entered the battlefield with. It didn't look good for the residents of Silvi.

Several people lay scattered on the grass as the Light Mages did their best to heal the wounded. The number of approaching Creatures was still overwhelming. While Orkan was still attempting to assess their chances of victory, an explosion startled him, drawing his gaze to a location several meters away from where he stood. "Did a Wizard do that? It must be an incredibly powerful spell," Orkan thought. A fireball began to form near the trees to the north. Illuminated by the spell, he recognized Hiner mounted on a large winged Creature he couldn't identify. His right arm was raised, as if feeding the fire, amplifying the effect of his attack.

Orkan didn't know what to do. He knew how to handle Creatures, how to flee from danger, how to deceive people. Defending against spells was something entirely new to him and, in his eyes, seemingly impossible, especially coming from a powerful Wizard like Hiner. With a subtle and delicate motion, Hiner launched the fireball far away from Orkan. The explosion was once again frightening. Before he could make any decision about what to do, three giant flies approached, capturing his attention back to the battlefield.

Orkan focused, dodging the attacks of the insects and swiftly counterattacking. He quickly dispatched them, collecting the crystals left behind by the Creatures. However, this greed proved to be a mistake. As he stood up, Orkan looked towards Hiner and saw him signaling the spot where he was throwing his fireball. It felt as if he was aiming directly at Orkan. The distance didn't allow for precise targeting, but he felt like he looked deep into the Wizard's eyes, having been chosen as a specific target. The spell was cast, and the fireball headed towards the Rogue. Orkan froze in place, crossing his arms in front of his face, bracing himself for the inevitable impact.

Orkan felt something strange in his chest, as if he had swallowed hot air. An explosion occurred a few meters to his right, causing him to lose balance and fall onto the grass. Orkan looked around, seeing a stretch of burning grass where the fireball had struck. He was certain that it was aimed in his direction and that he would have been directly hit. "Seems like it was a bizarre miscalculation," Orkan thought.

He got up, dusting off his clothes and adjusting his boots. A flash of red hair running by caught his attention. That hair color was unmistakable. Spes seemed worried and in a hurry. Orkan looked in the direction that the Mage was running and saw Aestus lying face down. He was trying to get up, seemingly dazed and weakened.

Orkan also ran towards his friend, encountering two small Creatures on the way. He defeated them with minimal effort, wasting very little time. When he reached Aestus, Spes was already finishing healing him. The Mage held a wooden staff with a metal tip, in which a milky white crystal was embedded. The crystal glowed subtly as Spes used his magic.

"What happened?" Aestus asked, getting to his feet. An explosion was heard in the distance. "Which Creature is doing this?"

"Hiner is throwing fireballs at us," Orkan replied, pointing to the figure mounted on the winged Creature. "He almost hit me with one too."

Aestus saw Hiner conjuring another large fireball and hurling it, hitting the backlines where some Mages and Wizards were positioned. Orkan could see the look of defeat on his friend's face. Where were the soldiers of Baruc? If they delayed any longer, there would be nothing left to be done.

"What is he doing?!" Aestus asked, still looking at Hiner.

The Wizard had both his arms flexed and raised to the sky, staring at a point beyond the battlefield. In a sudden motion, he lowered both arms as if pulling two strings. Several thunderous booms were heard from the direction of Silvi. A large number of lightning bolts descended, like an accelerated storm without rain. The grand tree was struck, catching fire. Clouds of smoke formed in different spots, indicating that other trees had been hit.

"Watch out!" Spes shouted while pointing his staff and shooting an energy orb towards a saber-toothed tiger that was leaping towards Aestus. The Creature was hit mid-leap, missing its attack.

Aestus and Orkan positioned themselves for combat, with Spes in the rear. Before the battle could commence, two more saber-toothed tigers approached. A flurry of blows and charges ensued. Spes took charge of protecting the attackers and healing any wounds. It was a frantic fight but much easier with a Mage providing support. They quickly dispatched the three Creatures.

However, as they caught their breath, an iron giant approached. It was an enormous Creature, resembling a misshapen suit of armor standing nearly three meters tall, wielding an immense sword. Its head was a twisted and pointed helmet, and peering through the helm's apertures only revealed a deep darkness. It was a terrifying sight. The Creature raised its sword above its head and struck downward. Aestus and Orkan only had time to throw themselves to the ground, evading the path of the sword.

Spes struck the ground with his staff, creating a translucent dome with a golden glow that covered the three of them. The Creature's sword struck the protection, causing a muffled sound of shattering glass. The dome resisted the impact but was damaged. Spes kept his staff planted on the ground with his right hand while his left hand was held out in the opposite direction, as if holding up a wall. A group of Creatures approached the dome, attacking it. Saber-toothed tigers, giant flies, a flaming deer, and slimes...

Spes was sweating and grunting, visibly exerting himself to keep the dome standing, but it was rapidly cracking, succumbing to the attacks of the different Creatures. Orkan tightly held his daggers, trying to devise a plan of attack. Aestus couldn't decide which Creature to strike first once the protection broke. However, none of that was necessary.

A hail of arrows rained down around the dome, accurately hitting the Creatures. A powerful spell struck the iron giant, causing the armor to explode in a copper-colored cloud. A small group of uniformed individuals ran near the area where the three were, defeating Creatures along the way with astonishing ease. The soldiers of Baruc had finally arrived. Some uniformed figures ran across the field, swiftly dispatching the Creatures as if it were an easy and routine task. The number of soldiers was greater than that of the original party, explaining the delay in their intervention.

The dome protecting the three young men was dispelled by Spes, as there was no immediate danger. Orkan watched in awe as the Rogues's extraordinary performance unfolded, delivering precise dagger strikes to the Creatures. Aestus seemed like a child watching a casual sporting event, rooting for the Knights as if it were a competition. Spes clapped with excitement, pleased to see his city being successfully defended. Suddenly, a small blue energy ball, much smaller than the fireballs that struck the battlefield, hit the winged Creature Hiner was riding, causing them to crash toward the forest.

Everyone watched the scene, breathing a sigh of relief. Some soldiers headed towards Hiner's crash site, while the majority stayed behind, effortlessly defeating the remaining Creatures. Aestus embraced Spes, and they jumped together in celebration. Orkan resumed collecting some crystals left behind after the soldiers' work. The battle was tough but exhilarating. The fights against the Creatures, one after another, were electrifying. Aestus suggested they return and help organize things. The three of them then headed towards the city, engaged in lively conversation.

"I didn't get to fight much," Aestus recounted, gesturing. "I defeated a saber-toothed tiger on my own and then got knocked out by that explosion next to me."

"I was mostly healing and protecting whoever I could," Spes said, mimicking spellcasting gestures. "But then I saw Aestus lying there, and I rushed to his side."

"Oh, I managed to defeat several Creatures," Orkan boasted. "I was about to defeat an armadillo when a Saci appeared to help! Can you believe it? A Saci!"

"Oh, I saw a very young Summoner earlier," Aestus said. "It must have been her. Ah, look, there are her parents over there," and he pointed to two visibly concerned adults.

The group approached the Summoner's parents, intending to congratulate the girl but also curious to know what had happened. When they reached the couple, the scene was not a pleasant one. The mother was sitting on the ground, with her daughter lying down and resting her head on her lap. The Summoner's clothes were stained with blood, and she cried softly. A bandage covered her right eye. There was no healing magic powerful enought to restore a pierced eye. Orkan looked around and noticed that there were other people nearby who had also been healed but had lost arms or legs. Many were in shock, seemingly not fully grasping what was happening. A little further ahead, rows of bodies could be seen on the grass, some already covered with white cloths. The number of casualties was not high, but it didn't matter. Any loss would be irreparable for friends and relatives of the victims.

That scene left the three young men quiet and introspective. The harsh reality of war hit them like a sledgehammer, shattering any excitement caused by the previous battles. They walked toward the flag where the gathering took place before the battle, as there was a group of people there. The white-haired Lagomorph was in the same spot, giving instructions to those who remained. The fight was over, but the city had been damaged by the lightning strikes. Some houses and trees had caught fire, but nothing too severe or widespread. The worst damage had been concentrated on the large central tree, where the fire had also been brought under control.

There wasn't much to be done now. The three young men walked toward the city center in mostly silence. Spes decided to go to the large tree to look for Janis, while Aestus and Orkan went to the Guild, in search of something to eat and a place to sleep.

"Well, see you tomorrow then," the Lagomorph bid farewell to the two with a cheerful tone, though clearly trying to disguise the melancholy. "I'll meet you at the Guild early in the morning. I have a proposition to make. Bye!" And he ran toward the entrance of the town hall.

Aestus and Orkan entered the Guild and were met with a different scene. The place was crowded, with people sitting at tables talking, and others chatting at the bar. It seemed like the battle had rekindled the Hunter spirit in many inhabitants, bringing them back to the Guild. It felt like a school reunion party, with people from different backgrounds talking as equals. The atmosphere there was lighter than the rest of the city, lifting the spirits of the two young men. Baitu was busy behind the bar counter and hadn't noticed the newcomers' arrival. A middle-aged Lagomorph helped him prepare some meals and drinks.

The two young men sat at the end of the counter. Orkan observed the people present, trying to guess the Classes of those around him. He managed to identify several Light Mages, but there were also a few lost Rogues, many Archers, scattered Guardians, and few Dark Wizards. These were the most common Classes in Kairos, after all. The Guild was a place where everyone treated each other as equals, knowing that each had their function and role in battles and society. This mentality was lacking outside of the Guild. Orkan was startled by a slap on the counter from Baitu, bringing him back to reality.

"Look who showed up!" Baitu said with a smile. "I thought I had lost you in that battle. I didn't see much of what happened because I stayed behind, fixing weapons and armor for those in need."

"And this crowded Guild? Who would've thought?" Aestus said, looking around.

"Well, lad, I just came back a little while ago and saw a bunch of people at the door. Couldn't believe it. I think they wanted to catch up with their friends without thinking too much about the work it'll take to rebuild this whole city."

A great collective effort would be needed to rebuild the damaged structure in the tree. Now they could only hope that the Creatures would give them a respite and that Hiner wouldn't appear again. If he followed his pattern of attacks, Silvi would be safe for many months. There was also a chance that Baruc's soldiers had captured the Warlock in the forest, which Orkan thought was unlikely. Hiner always escaped, as if he could vanish into thin air.

"And do you think Baruc helped the mayor out of the goodness of his heart?" Orkan asked sarcastically.

"Oh, certainly not," another older Lagomorph responded, joining the conversation. "The mayor will make an announcement early tomorrow. Update your resume if you want to work in the new mines."

"Don't be so pessimistic, Lapan," Baitu said while preparing a bowl of sauce for snacks. "Although I also think it'll be something like that. Let's wait and see. Look," he said, looking at the newcomers, "if you want something to eat, we're only serving appetizers. We don't have time to make elaborate dishes."

After considering the options, Aestus and Orkan placed their orders. They chatted among themselves and with some people in the hall while they waited. It was enough to push the images of the battle's aftermath out of their minds. Now they had to think about the future, the next steps in their Hunter careers. They would have to deal with death on several occasions; it was inevitable when dealing with Creatures and adventurers. The veteran Hunters in the Guild shared their stories, often clearly exaggerated and embellished, but highly captivating. The food arrived, and it was quickly devoured by the young men. They didn't realize how hungry they were.

After talking for a long time with different Hunters, Orkan and Aestus had decided on their path to grow in their careers and improve their rank in the Guild more quickly. They said their goodbyes to the remaining Hunters and retired to their room on the upper floor. Exhaustion washed over them. Orkan wanted to sleep without showering, but Aestus practically forced him into the shower. He took a quick shower without even washing his hair and immediately lay down afterward, falling asleep before Orkan could even turn on the shower.

***

The sun rose brightly the next day, illuminating the entire forest surrounding Silvi, with a cloudless sky. The curtain in Spes' bedroom window blocked a good portion of the light, casting the room in a soft shadow. His bed was spacious and incredibly comfortable, adorned with light green bedding and numerous pillows. The room itself was large, with only a few meticulously organized and clean pieces of furniture. Spes lay on his side, embracing one of the pillows, his back to the window, already awake. He awaited the sound of the alarm clock while pondering recent events.

After the battle the previous day, he knew he needed to leave the town and accompany the two Hunters. He wasn't meant to stay in a small town, responsible for a clinic. It wasn't just a desire; it was something he NEEDED to do. But Orkan, the Rogue, clearly didn't take a liking to him. The Knight, on the other hand, was more amiable, making him easier to persuade. But no matter what, he would show that his presence was strictly necessary for the team's success. He just needed to put his plan into action.

The alarm clock rang, but it was immediately silenced on the first ring. Spes enjoyed lingering in bed, but today was a different day. He prepared his breakfast while rehearsing what he would say theatrically. The Lagomorph made funny faces, laughing at the silly mistakes he made. He seemed to be having fun, trying to guess how the others would respond, anticipating any arguments. He sat down to eat while watching the news on television.

Hiner's attack on Silvi was the main headline, showcasing the state of the central tree after the assault. Portable cameras weren't so common, making real-time footage of the events challenging. As a result, there were no recordings of the moment when Hiner carried out the attacks, which was a shame. Spes desperately wanted to see his face up close, to try and understand the reason behind this attack on Silvi. None of it made sense. Or rather, it made too much sense. Hiner suddenly attacks the city where Baruc is located. A city that coincidentally has an unexplored mine. Pathetic.

Spes was already considered a lunatic conspiracy theorist. He couldn't keep insisting on this theory that Baruc was a Machiavellian genius. After all, people loved and revered this supposedly benevolent inventor. He would never be capable of such cunning deeds. Spes refocused his attention on the television, where they reported that Hiner had not been located after the attacks. "Obviously," Spes thought. Next, they showed an image of what Hiner's face might look like now, based on the only high-quality images that had been captured many years ago. The report then showed the infamous footage.

In it, a high-resolution security camera captured footage of a street at night. A much younger Hiner appeared, visibly nervous, glancing around. At that moment, he looked directly at the camera, unaware of its presence. He stood in front of a window of a building and raised his right hand. Just like in the battle the previous day, a fireball began to form in the air. The young Hiner seemed to be concentrating intensely, even displaying a pained expression. The fireball didn't grow much before being hurled towards the window, shattering the glass and entering the building.

In the footage, the young man was startled by the noise  and quickly ran away from the scene without looking back. A few moments later, it became evident that a fire had ignited inside the building, with flames growing and bursting out of the window, rapidly assuming monstrous proportions. The report stated that this was the first documented attack by Hiner, destroying the main orphanage in Reganta, killing all the staff and children. A motiveless, pyromaniacal, and brutal act. Spes turned away, disgusted by the images.

He turned off the television, finished eating quickly, and got ready to leave. He put on his typical white cloak, fastened the cords around his waist, and slipped on his boots before leaving the house. Spes chose to walk to the clinic, disregarding public transportation. The journey was swift, uninterrupted, as he greeted the residents, for it was still early, before the usual hustle and bustle of the workers. The city still carried a faint scent of smoke, with a layer of soot covering the streets. After a good rain, everything would be clean and fresh again, and the trees would soon recover. Nature was truly fascinating.

Upon reaching the clinic, Spes found it strange to see the door and the sidewalk cleaned. He unlocked the door and entered, finding Janis doing a general cleanup inside. She was startled by the door opening, dropping her mop and laughing at his entrance. Spes laughed too but apologized for startling her.

"Apologies, my friend. Good morning! You're up early. What's up?"

"Hahaha. No need to apologize," she said, blushing. "I scare easily. Well, I couldn't sleep properly after everything that happened yesterday. I felt more at ease after seeing you at the Great Tree, but still. I was a bundle of nerves. When the lightning struck the tree, I could swear I felt the ground tremble. I thought everything was going to collapse, that I would be buried alive right there."

"Thank goodness they controlled the fire quickly, right?"

"Yes, my friend," Janis said, sitting on the reception counter. "There were some young and older Witches in the hall. They managed to cast water spells on the tree, controlling the fire. Nonetheless, the damage was extensive. But... why are you at the clinic so early?" She asked, pretending to be interested in a pen on the table but glancing at Spes from the corner of her eye.

"Oh, well... I was going to leave you a message, letting you know that I wouldn't be coming to work today," Spes replied, as if it were something ordinary. "I was also going to leave a list of names of other Mages who might be interested in replacing me."

"You? Skipping work?" she asked, indignant but laughing. "Since I started here, I've never seen you miss a day. Besides Hiner attacking the city yesterday, did something happen?"

That was the reason why Spes wanted to arrive before Janis. He didn't feel ready to have this conversation with her, at least not now. His life was so good in Silvi, he had no apparent reason to change his whole life, to embark on an adventure. That was something for young people, and Spes had already passed that phase. But deep down, he knew it was time to leave. Spes took a deep breath, looking down as he cleaned a nonexistent dirt from his nails.

"So... I've decided to leave Silvi. I know, I know," he said, anticipating an interruption. "I always say that I want to go on journeys, adventures, but I never do anything. This time it's different; I feel like it's my last chance."

"But... But..." Janis felt her eyes burning and filling with tears. "What will happen to the clinic? Who will take your place? What about the patients? What... What about me?" She stepped down from the counter, placing her hands on her face.

Trying to lighten the situation and anticipating what was coming, Spes hugged his friend, placing her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked her ears, something significant for Lagomorphs. Only close people had the liberty to touch those adorable ears. He prepared himself and responded, still holding her in the embrace.

"The clinic will continue to be a reference in healing, as it has always been. The municipality will have to hire a few more Mages, but I know that under your leadership, everything will be fine," Spes said, closing his eyes, ready for the impact.

"UNDER MY WHAT?!" Janis broke free from the embrace, her eyes wide and teary. "Are you out of your mind? I have no ability to coordinate this place. I have no commanding voice, no leadership skills... No, absolutely not. You can forget about it. You're staying in Silvi, it's settled."

Spes laughed at his friend's despair, as she continued to wear a mixed expression of panic and sadness. Janis was the most competent and hardworking person he had ever met. Her only flaws were insecurity and shyness. He was confident in her ability to manage the clinic. Keun was too focused on his own work, controlling the ingredient stock and making potions. The few other Mages at the clinic didn't dedicate themselves as much, treating it as a side job or hobby. Janis was the only viable option.

"Take a deep breath, let's calm down," Spes said, gesturing with his palms. "I'm not leaving right now, in 15 minutes. It will take a few more days. I'll help you with this transition."

She shook her head, creating waves in her long, soft hair. She wasn't wearing her white cloak since it would get dirty during cleaning. Her attire consisted of a fitted dark blue blouse and light gray trousers made of lightweight fabric. She seemed calmer now, but still unwilling to accept these changes. She sighed and organized her thoughts, looking at Spes, who still gazed at her with a sweet expression. To her, Spes was like an older brother. He had taught her everything she knew about magic and treatments.

Finally, she spoke:

"I've been too selfish. I have no right to stop you from leaving," Spes was about to protest, but Janis interrupted him. "There's no need to apologize or say it's not like that. It's okay. But I'll only accept all of this with one condition," she placed her left arm behind her back and raised a finger with her right hand. "Actually, two," she raised another finger. "One: you'll teach me everything I need to do with a lot of patience, and two: you'll send me letters with news of all your adventures."

With teary eyes and a sincere smile on his face, Spes agreed to the conditions, embracing his friend once again. As he did, he glanced at the clock on the wall behind the reception desk.

"Oh, I have to go," Spes said, leaving Janis a little confused. "I need to put my plan of leaving into action. I'll come back later and explain everything properly," he added, handing a folded piece of paper to Janis as he walked towards the door. "And, remember: get in touch with one of the Mages on the list I gave you, check the scheduled patient list, and do your best. Oh, one more thing," he said, with his body outside the clinic but his head inside, his full red hair visible. "You are capable, and you are enough. Kisses!"

The door closed, and Janis smiled, blushing slightly. Their friendship was too strong to end because of distance. She was still nervous, but a little more confident after Spes' words. She picked up her mop once again and continued cleaning, humming a lively improvised tune.

***

Aestus and Orkan woke up without an alarm, preferring to fully recover from the battle of the previous day. Surprisingly, Orkan woke up before his friend but stayed in bed, going over the recent events in his mind until Aestus woke up. They then took a shower and talked while getting ready.

"So, any plans for today?" Orkan asked.

"Well, I was thinking of checking out the available hunts, see if there's anything left after yesterday," Aestus replied, pausing for a moment in thought. He then added, "We really need to improve if we want to grow in the Guild."

"I thought we were doing pretty great, taking down some strong creatures," Orkan said, sitting on his bed and running his hand through his blond hair. "But then Baruc's army came, and bam! They put us in our place."

"Yeah..." Aestus agreed, looking off into the distance. "And, well... Oh, never mind."

"What were you going to say?" Orkan asked, curious, as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"I had a thought, but it's silly. Let's go downstairs and check the contracts."

"No, tell me," Orkan insisted, getting up. "I had a thought too, and I want to see if we're on the same page."

Aestus felt embarrassed because it was quite absurd. He scratched his neck, considering whether or not to speak up, but he decided to go ahead. Orkan was his friend, and the worst that could happen was him laughing a lot.

"After seeing what Hiner is capable of, I started wondering if we couldn't stop him. I want to train hard, get stronger, so that I can put an end to him."

Orkan jumped up, bursting into loud laughter. Aestus immediately lowered his head, regretting it a little, when Orkan said, "But that's unbelievable! I thought the same thing! I was so angry with that damn guy. I want to destroy him," he clenched his right hand into a fist tightly.

"Yes!" Aestus exclaimed, with a huge smile on his face. "He has to pay for everything he's done. The world will be a better place without him."

"I'm mostly thinking about the rewards and the fame I'd gain, but what you said is good too," Orkan replied.

The two friends laughed at the situation and finished getting ready, then headed downstairs to the Guild hall. Aestus noticed that his armor was too simple and wouldn't withstand much. Since they had accumulated a good amount of money, it was time to upgrade both their equipment. The question now was how to convince Orkan to spend that money. Aestus was contemplating the best approach when he was surprised to see Spes sitting at one of the tables in the Guild. The Lagomorph waved to the two young men, who approached him.

"Good morning, Aestus! Good morning, Orkan! Did you sleep well?" he greeted them enthusiastically, getting up and shaking hands with both of them.

On the table, there were several papers with scattered notes, a map with various markings, and two small piles of contracts. Apparently, Spes had been there for a while, fully dedicated to his task.

Baitu approached to take the newcomers' breakfast order. Spes mentioned that he had already eaten and that they could choose their meals. Once everything was settled, Aestus had to ask, "What's all this, Spes? Are you going back to the world of hunts?"

"The thrill of yesterday's battle got you excited, huh?" Orkan slapped Spes on the shoulder, a bit too forcefully.

"Yes and no," Spes replied, chuckling and massaging his shoulder. "How can I explain? I picked up some contracts from the bulletin board to see if the three of us could do them together. I can't defeat these Creatures on my own, but with you two, it'll be a piece of cake."

Aestus raised his eyebrows, surprised. He had wanted to ask for Spes's help, but didn't know how to approach the subject. Now, knowing that Spes was also interested in collaborating, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Of course! We definitely accept your help," Aestus said, unable to hide his excitement. "You provide support, and we'll handle the attack. You teach us how to battle with the help of a Mage, and we help Silvi get rid of some Creatures. It's killing two rabbits with one stone. No offense," he quickly added.

Spes laughed and shook his head. "None taken, my friend. It sounds like a plan. We'll make a great team. And don't worry, I'll make sure to teach you both everything you need to know."

The trio sat down at the table, discussing the details of the contracts and their strategy. They were filled with renewed determination and a shared goal: to grow stronger, protect their town, and bring justice to those who threatened it. It was the beginning of an adventure that would test their skills, forge their bonds, and shape their destinies as formidable hunters in the Guild.

Spes laughed loudly, expressing his gratitude for his consideration. He then showed them the contracts he had selected and began explaining the strategies and the order they should follow. However, Orkan interrupted after looking at the papers.

"You'll have to remove some contracts from this list. We're still level two," he said, sounding frustrated and even a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, no problem," Spes replied, waving his hands as if dismissing Orkan's concern. "I'm already level five. I only picked contracts up to level four."

"Level five?!" Aestus exclaimed, taken aback.

"I used to accompany many hunts before..." Spes paused for a moment before continuing, his tone of voice barely changing. "Before my brother died. I managed to accumulate a lot of experience. I'm just a bit rusty now."

"Well, in that case," Orkan picked up the stack of contracts from the table, "let me see what we're going to do."

Spes found amusement in the Rogue's change of behavior, enjoying the sudden enthusiasm. He then explained which contracts would be the best, which Creatures would be easier to defeat, and the most efficient route to complete them in less time. It was practically a lesson for the newcomers, who listened attentively.

The food served by Baitu was incredibly delicious. This meal was the specialty of the house, well-prepared for Hunters. Aestus and Orkan ate heartily while discussing strategies and explaining what they were capable of in battle. Spes listened attentively, making mental notes. He then suggested that they purchase new armor and clothing that were more suitable for the battles they would face. New weapons would also be of great help, but Aestus mentioned that he wanted to keep the same sword.

"It has significant meaning to me," Aestus said, materializing his weapon and proudly displaying it. "I don't think I need to change it."

"Hmmmm... I guess you might not need to after all," Spes said, running his hand along the sword. "But it can be improved. I know an exceptional Blacksmith who can imbue some enhancements into weapons. No offense, Baitu," he added, speaking louder toward the reception area.

"No worries, Spes!" Baitu replied with a smile.

The three Hunters finished organizing their plans and set off. As they left the Guild, the sun was shining brightly high in the sky, and the square was crowded. Spes indicated the way to go, towards the Blacksmith's shop. When they reached the end of the block, just before turning the corner, an amplified voice made them stop. It was Tapiti, speaking from a podium in the middle of the square.

"Inhabitants of Silvi and visitors," she said cordially. On her right side were municipal officials, and on the other side stood Baruc with some soldiers. "As you all know, we were unexpectedly attacked by Hiner last night. No warning or request was made by the Warlock, choosing our beloved city randomly. As you can see," she pointed to the large tree, "the damage caused was significant. If it weren't for Baruc's intervention, it would have been much worse."

The crowd in the square applauded and cheered excitedly, venerating and thanking the inventor. Tapiti smiled, waiting for the noise to die down. Baruc simply waved his right hand slightly above his head, with a shy smile on his face.

"I must also thank all the brave volunteers who risked themselves in battle," Tapiti continued. "Without you, our city would not have held on while Baruc's soldiers were brought from Reganta."

Applause erupted again in the square, although with less enthusiasm. Apparently, Baruc deserved more applause than the residents of Silvi themselves. Apparently unaware of the discrepancy, Tapiti continued:

"Taking into consideration Baruc's interest in exploring our mines and the need for greater protection of the city, I have made an agreement with this generous gentleman by my side. Baruc has provided a security force that will respond immediately to any emergencies that occur in the city. He has also offered assistance to the local Hunters, who can rely on the support of the soldiers to carry out their Hunts and reduce the number of Creatures that surround us. I believe that this joint effort will only bring benefits to all the inhabitants of Kairos."

This time, the applause was a bit more scattered. The older residents disagreed with the mining, believing it went against the principles of their ancestors. The younger ones, on the other hand, were very pleased, imagining what innovations would arise from the abundant crystals in the region. Perhaps this was not the most popular decision by the mayor, but it certainly would not be enough to cause a rebellion among the population.

"Let's go," Spes said, catching Aestus' attention. "He's going to keep going on and on about how he's the good guy and how he'll help everyone."

The three of them headed to the Blacksmith's shop, listening to the fading speech in the background. The promises and exchange of compliments between the two leaders continued to resonate through the streets. Upon entering the Blacksmith's workshop, the door shut out the sounds from the square, replacing them with the clanging of metal. The workshop was spacious, with various weapons displayed on one wall, while the opposite wall showcased armors, vests, pants, boots, and cloaks.

Spes took the lead, explaining to the Blacksmith what they wanted. They quickly chose new daggers for Orkan, which appeared sharper and more lethal than his previous ones. Aestus then materialized his sword and handed it to the Blacksmith. He examined the weapon, praising its condition and quality. He immediately started working on the blade, hammering away and making the weapon shine. The Knight watched in awe, eagerly anticipating wielding his upgraded weapon.

The Blacksmith finished the job and handed the weapon back to Aestus. It felt lighter, easier to handle, while maintaining the same dimensions. Its blade was now gleaming, with a brighter hue than before. Without much time for Aestus to savor his renewed weapon, the Blacksmith led them towards the armors and garments. Aestus and Orkan chose new equipment that was both aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted.

After changing into their new gear, Aestus paid for the products, and the three of them left the workshop, content. Orkan felt more agile in his new boots, and Aestus' vest was more resistant, made from resin extracted from a local tree. They felt prepared for tougher battles now. Without delay, the three adventurers headed to the location of their first chosen contract.

The day passed by quickly. The battles proved to be challenging and exciting, but with Spes' help, everything became easier. Any injuries were promptly healed by the Mage. His protective spells were highly effective in mitigating the damage inflicted by the Creatures. A hunting team truly wasn't complete without the presence of a Mage providing support.

They returned to the Guild at the end of the day, tired but fulfilled. Orkan and Aestus were joyful, feeling extremely competent in what they were doing. Spes was at ease, embracing the feeling of battling once again. In fact, he enjoyed the thrill and adrenaline of the hunts. This sentiment had only been suppressed due to the trauma.

The following days were quite similar to one another. Spes still occasionally visited the clinic to assist Janis in transitioning to her new role. Every time, however, she didn't need help with any technique or tasks. All her difficulties stemmed from self-confidence and nervousness. Nevertheless, Spes was happy to see his friend excelling in her work.

One afternoon, however, a hunt offered an unexpected challenge. The contract did not specify the type of Creature they would be facing, but as it was a level two hunt, they were confident they could handle it easily and move on to the next contract. They met with the person who posted the ad, a young Lagomorph who was frightened by some noises he heard at his window at night.

"I can't really explain how it sounds," he said. "But the Creature passes by here regularly. I'm too scared to open the window, afraid it might come into my room and kill me."

The group of Hunters was in a narrow alley located at the back of some houses. It was a short, damp stretch that didn't receive much sunlight. It wasn't a spacious area or connected to the forest, which made the presence of Creatures there unlikely. The whole situation was somewhat mysterious.

"What kind of noise does it make?" Spes asked, chin in hand.

"It's a strange, kind of gross sound," the Lagomorph said, looking up, trying to remember. "It's like plof, plof, plof."

"I think it goes in and out of here," Orkan said. He crouched in front of a stormwater drain cover.

"It can't be," the contractor said, confused. "The noise sounds like it comes from a pretty big Creature. It wouldn't fit through this drain."

"Hmmm, I think I know what it is," Spes said. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to help you, sir."

"No, wait!" Orkan intervened. "It can't be something we can't handle. We've been taking down every Creature we come across!"

"We can't handle this one, Orkan," Spes said, emphatically. The Rogue had already removed the cover, sticking his head through the hole.

"Wait, we can go down there and assess the situation," Aestus interjected. He noticed that the contractor had become terrified when Spes said they couldn't handle it. He then reassured the contractor, "Don't worry, we'll bring you an answer."

"Okay, two against one. It might be fun," Spes said, with a smile on his face, already descending into the sewer.

Aestus looked at the contractor, making calming hand gestures, while Orkan descended shortly after. The Lagomorph still seemed to be in a state of panic when Aestus also disappeared into the dark hole of the sewer.

Before Aestus reached the bottom of the ladder, Orkan had used an electricity crystal to illuminate a powerful portable lantern. They were in a long, tubular corridor with a narrow path to walk on and a wide pit occupying the rest of the space. The place was damp and had a strong, musty smell. Aestus was also a little frightened, but Orkan was irritated.

"What's this talk about us not being able to handle the Creature, Spes?" Orkan asked impatiently. "Haven't we defeated them all so far without any difficulty?"

"Everyone has their weaknesses, Orkan. Ours, at this moment, is this Creature," Spes replied, unfazed by the Rogue's anger.

"But what kind of Creature is it, after all?" Aestus inquired, curious.

"I'm almost certain it's a slime," Spes said, crossing his arms. "I just can't tell which element it belongs to. Probably water, since it's hiding here."

"And you're afraid of a simple slime?" Orkan asked, indignant. "We can take care of it in no time."

Spes was about to retort but stopped himself. He just shrugged, wearing a mischievous smile on his face. Aestus also thought it could be an easy fight but felt a bit wary of the Mage's behavior. Orkan pointed out a recess to the north, and the three of them headed in that direction. The atmosphere was tense and unpleasant. Orkan was impatient and disappointed with Spes's cowardice. Spes was quieter than usual, but without showing any anger. Aestus was apprehensive.

When they reached the indicated location, they could see a large hall containing something like a control center for the tunnels. There were pipes and various valves, forming a confusing network to inexperienced eyes like theirs. Orkan pointed to the opposite corner. There, a few meters away, was a light blue mass, almost transparent, practically motionless. The Creature was not even 50 centimeters tall, a rather pathetic sight. How could something so small and ridiculous cause such terror?

Orkan materialized his daggers and lunged at the Creature. Aestus was about to do the same when he was stopped by Spes, who asked him to wait with a hand gesture, winking at him. Before Orkan could reach the Creature, the slime seemed to sense the approach of an enemy and went on high alert. Aestus observed from a distance as the slime swelled and grew, reaching much larger dimensions. It now stood nearly three meters tall, touching the ceiling of the room, and was wider than two adults. Two eyeballs floated in the upper third, above a grotesque opening that appeared to be a disgusting mouth.

Orkan didn't want to stop in the middle of his attack and thrust his left-handed dagger into the side of the Creature. However, the strike caused no damage or injury, passing through the slime's body. Orkan's hand also sank into the Creature along with his weapon. He felt a cold and wet mass on his skin, like cold and rancid porridge. Disgusted and frustrated, Orkan tried to pull his arm out of the slime. To his terror, he was stuck, unable to free his arm from it.

"I advise you to hold your breath, Orkan!" Spes shouted, with a hint of mockery in his voice.

The Rogue drew breath right before being engulfed by the Creature. Orkan was now trapped within the slime's body, his eyes closed, struggling slowly like a rebellious fetus. Spes found it amusing, but Aestus panicked, materializing his weapon and charging at the Creature. He delivered a vertical strike, slashing through the slime's body. The Creature seemed unfazed by the attack, shooting a jet of water at Aestus, who fell at Spes's feet.

"Calm down, we'll get your friend out of there," Spes said calmly. "I'll cast a light orb that will cause some discomfort to the slime. Then you'll plunge your arms into it and pull Orkan out with all your strength. Are you ready?"

The Knight nodded and positioned himself. Spes materialized his staff and pointed it at the slime, shooting a small orb of white light toward the Creature's eyes. Upon impact, it let out a bubbling grunt. Aestus noticed the signal and grabbed Orkan by the legs, pulling with all his might. The Rogue was freed from the Creature's body, covered in sticky goo. He gasped for air, making a loud and desperate sound. Aestus felt relieved to see his friend alive and apparently unharmed.

"Run!" Spes shouted, alerting the other two.

The slime had recovered and was already charging towards their friends. Orkan quickly got to his feet and sprinted towards the entrance of the hall. Aestus, a bit slower, narrowly evaded the Creature's attack and caught up with Spes and Orkan shortly after. The two of them ran towards the staircase they had descended earlier, with Aestus following closely behind. The enraged Creature pursued the Hunters.

Orkan reached the staircase first, ascending the steps in the blink of an eye. He held the portable light at the entrance of the sewer so the others could see where they were going. Aestus was the next to climb, with Spes following closely behind. The slime managed to grab hold of the Mage's foot, but he was pulled out of the tunnel by Aestus. As soon as they were all out, Orkan replaced the lid. The Creature emerged through the holes in the lid, like small blue tentacles, but quickly retreated back into the darkness.

The contractor stood there, wide-eyed and trembling, staring at Orkan as he tried to clean the blue slime off his hair and clothes. Aestus felt somewhat embarrassed for not being able to help the young Lagomorph. Meanwhile, Spes was talking to the contractor, displaying remarkable naturalness and tranquility.

"So, my friend, we couldn't handle the contract (as I had warned)," he added, in a whisper. "This is a job for a Warlock. They can cast two shock or ice spells on this slime, and it will dissolve instantly. Don't worry, I'll arrange for someone to come here today. You'll sleep tonight without any 'plof plof plof.'"

The Mage patted the contractor on the shoulder and walked away. Aestus gave a brief nod of farewell and followed Spes. Orkan didn't even glance in the direction of the young Lagomorph, grumbling quietly as he followed the other two. Aestus caught up with Spes and asked,

"What just happened? How do we defeat that thing?"

"We won't be able to do anything," Spes replied, moving forward without looking at Aestus. "Some Creatures can only be defeated by attacking them with the right element. That applies to slimes, golems, and certain elemental sorcerers, for example."

"And how can we do that?"

Spes's green eyes gleamed cunningly. His expression was mischievous and playful.

"I have a plan."

***

The next morning, Spes entered the clinic, finding the reception area almost empty, with only a few patients and a drowsy receptionist. He greeted everyone, briefly talking to the patients before heading to Janis' office. He knocked on the door and, upon receiving permission, entered. Janis was seated behind Spes' old desk, analyzing a schedule, making notes, and crossing out others. She looked up and saw who it was, immediately breaking into a wide smile. The two hugged and began talking right away.

"I see you're already making yourself at home here," Spes said, looking around. "I like the new arrangement of the furniture."

"Oh, do you really like it?" Janis asked, feeling a little embarrassed. "I wasn't sure if I could change anything in case you decided to come back. I think I was a bit hasty, wasn't I? I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't worry about it," Spes said, waving his hand. "It's perfect. But I didn't come here to discuss the decor. I came to give you some news, and you'll be the first to know."

Janis sighed, already anticipating what it would be. She looked down at the floor, afraid that if she looked at Spes, she would start crying. He gently caressed her arms in a friendly manner.

"Don't be like that, please," Spes said, his voice choked with emotion. "I wanted you to be happy for me."

"You're right, I shouldn't be sad. But it's difficult to say goodbye to your best friend, you know? The person who always believed in me, who always supported me."

"But it's not a farewell," Spes said, wiping away a stubborn tear that had fallen. "I'll come back to visit you soon. You won't even have time to miss me."

Janis gave a timid smile, tears now freely flowing down her cheeks. She hugged her friend tightly, whispering in his ear,

"Go and chase your dreams. You're going to change this world."

Spes returned the hug, shedding a few tears himself. They stood there, locked in a silent embrace for a while. After regaining her composure, Janis let go and asked,

"And where are you going now?"

"Foscor, the city of the Witches and Warlocks. We're going there to recruit one of them for our team."

"Oh, I've always wanted to visit Foscor," Janis said, sighing. "The city of eternal night. It must be fascinating. Promise me you'll bring me a souvenir from there?"

"I promise to bring you a souvenir from every city I visit," Spes said, emphasizing his words. "But now, I have to go. The others are waiting for me."

The two friends said their goodbyes with more hugs and laughter, savoring their last moments together. Spes walked out the door, his eyes still slightly moist, but a huge smile on his face. Janis sat on the edge of the desk, arms crossed. She was overjoyed to see her friend embarking on his journey, a journey that would never bring Spes back to Silvi.