"Welcome home, Lucas," Lay said warmly as he stepped aside from the door. "Come inside the house. We're eating breakfast—want to join us?"
Lucas nodded. "Sure, Dad. Let's go, everyone."
With that, Phae, Jonathan, Efil, and Noel followed their leader into the cozy home. Inside, the warmth of fresh soup and family filled the air.
Fenra and Silvia stayed close behind Raizo, flanking him protectively—almost competitively.
As both parties settled at the long wooden table, Reyna smiled with quiet joy. "Finally… our family is complete again. I know this won't last very long—you two have your own journeys to follow. But at least… let us enjoy this moment together."
Everyone nodded. For the first time, the Dilhaze and Hero's Party shared the same table, the air calm—yet crackling with something unspoken.
Lucas glanced across the table at Raizo.
"Hey, Raizo. You heading out to that quest today?"
Raizo nodded as he dipped a piece of bread into his soup. "Yeah. Right after we're done eating."
Lucas smirked. "Before you go… how about a little sparring match?"
Raizo raised an eyebrow.
Lucas continued, "It's been a while. Let me see how strong you've become."
A smile tugged at Raizo's lips. "Sure. Why not?"
Lucas leaned back. "Wooden swords or real ones?"
Raizo didn't hesitate. "Our swords, of course."
Lucas grinned wide. "Very well then."
Lay stood. "Alright, you two—if you're going to spar, not in the backyard. You'll do it in the open field, away from the village. Understood?"
"Got it, Father," the brothers said in unison.
After finishing their meal, the two parties made their way to the open field outside Zenith Village. The wind was calm, the grass swaying gently under the sun.
Raizo drew Voidbringer from his waist—its obsidian edge reflecting light with a crimson sheen.
Lucas reached behind his back and unsheathed the Holy Sword: Paladin, its blade gleaming with divine gold and white light.
The two stood opposite each other, stance firm.
Reyna fidgeted anxiously on the sideline while Lay watched with sharp eyes.
Fenra and Silvia were already shouting, "Go, Raizo! Show him what you've got!"
The Hero's Party stood back—silent but alert.
"Why aren't you cheering?" Fenra asked.
Phae answered calmly, "We're the Hero's Party. We watch carefully. We observe the battlefield."
Raizo's gaze locked with Lucas's.
He remembered his childhood—those long days of training, always losing to his older brother. Always falling short.
Lucas looked back, seeing the same quiet boy—now standing tall, red and brown eyes blazing with purpose.
Lay raised his hand. "Good luck to you both. Begin!"
Raizo charged first.
His blade swung fast, but Lucas blocked effortlessly.
Lucas dashed forward with astonishing speed, striking three times. Raizo stumbled back but steadied his footing quickly. Blow after blow came from both sides, blades clashing with force and speed.
Lucas had the upper hand—but Raizo was not giving in.
"GO, RAIZO!" Fenra shouted.
"You can do it!" Silvia added.
Their voices lit a fire in him.
Raizo gritted his teeth, swung hard—Lucas staggered back, caught off guard.
The Hero's Party gasped.
"I guess it's time to cast," Raizo said.
He raised his hand and chanted:
"Fulmen's speed, electric tide, strike and flash, dash with pride!"
Lightning Magic: Lightning Dash!
Raizo vanished in a streak of electricity.
Lucas smirked. "So be it."
"Lightning Dash!" Lucas incanted—and he vanished as well.
The two reappeared again and again, sword against sword—sparks flying, dirt lifting into a thick smokescreen with every impact.
Reyna covered her mouth, eyes wide.
Lay's arms crossed. "He's faster than before."
The smoke parted slightly—just enough for Raizo to lift his sword to the sky.
"Wind's edge, slice and divide, storm's blade, cut with pride!"
Wind Magic: Wind Cutter!
Three slicing blades of wind tore through the air toward Lucas.
Lucas slashed through them—but Raizo was already moving.
"Wind's fury, accelerate within!"
Boost!
His speed shot up.
Then, with a whisper of flame:
"Flames of fury, blade of might, ignite and strike this night!"
Flame Blade!
His blade ignited with fire.
Silvia and Fenra smirked, whispering together, "Let's go…"
The Hero's Party, stunned, watched Raizo shine in fire and speed.
Lucas, surprised, narrowed his eyes. "Then I'll meet you equally."
He raised his own sword.
"Come forth, holy light, engulf my sword with your wisdom!"
Light Magic: Light Sword!
His blade glowed bright yellow—the color of heroes.
They charged.
Crimson fire met radiant gold.
BOOM!
The ground shook as their swords clashed.
The mana pressure spread in all directions.
They were about to clash again—but the earth suddenly rumbled violently beneath their feet.
A tremor cracked the open field.
Stones lifted into the air.
BOOM!
CRACK!
Chunks of rock flew skyward like cannon fire.
"O holy protect my comrades within—"
"Holy Magic: Barrier!" Phae shouted, casting a glowing dome around everyone.
The rocks slammed down—and when the dust cleared…
Every eye widened in horror.
There, towering over the field, stood not one—
Not two—
But THREE monstrous beasts:
A Flaming Salamander, its body burning like lava.
A Water Salamander, its form pulsing with swirling currents.
An Earth Salamander, covered in stone armor.
Each elemental spirit let out a deafening roar.
But that wasn't all on top of the Flaming Salamander's head stood a figure—cloaked in black, a twisted grin on its face, it's red eyes gleaming with malice.