A few days had passed.
In the training arena of Azalea, Silvia was locked in a fierce hand-to-hand combat session with Fenra. The two moved swiftly, exchanging punches and blocks, sweat dripping from their foreheads. Raizo and Shekiah stood at the sidelines, watching them closely.
After a final exchange, both girls collapsed onto their knees, panting.
Fenra's wolf ears twitched. "Hah... You're getting faster, Silvia," she said between heavy breaths.
Silvia smiled, equally exhausted. "You too... you didn't go easy on me."
Fenra chuckled and walked over, holding out her hand to help her up. As Silvia stood, Raizo approached them and handed her a pair of gloves.
Silvia blinked, surprised. "Are these... for me?"
Raizo nodded. "Yeah."
Fenra smirked, still catching her breath. "You deserve it after that training."
Silvia took the gloves and slipped them on. They fit perfectly, matching her outfit with brown accents, a white gem in the center, and light green lining. Her light green eyes lit up in delight.
"Now," Raizo said, arms crossed, "you'll be able to fight both close and long-range."
Silvia's face brightened. "Thank you, both of you!"
As the group exited the arena, two figures watched them from a distance, hidden in the shade.
A young elf boy narrowed his eyes. "Hey, sister... doesn't that girl look familiar to you?"
The elf girl beside him, with green hair streaked with yellow, leaned in slightly. "Yeah... she kinda looks like Ria."
The boy crossed his arms. "It really does feel like her."
The girl whispered, eyes still on Silvia, "Let's keep watching for now."
The elf boy nodded. "Alright."
As the sun began to dip behind the castle walls, the Dilhaze party strolled through the bustling streets of Azalea. The warm lantern lights cast golden hues on the cobblestone path.
Raizo glanced over his shoulder at the three girls following him. "Tomorrow, we need to find a quest."
Fenra stretched her arms behind her head. "Finally. I've been itching to punch something."
Silvia nodded. "It's been a few weeks… if we wait too long, our rank might drop."
Shekiah chimed in, "From B back to C. That would suck."
Raizo nodded seriously. "Exactly. We need to stay active."
The three girls nodded in agreement as they reached the familiar wooden doors of the inn.
The sound of footsteps, voices, and clanking armor filled the air. The doors of the Adventurer Guild creaked open to a crowd.
"…What the hell?" Fenra blinked.
Adventurers from all corners of Azalea had gathered—more than they'd ever seen before.
The Guild was packed from wall to wall. The Dilhaze party stood just outside, blinking at the overwhelming scene.
"I didn't expect this many people," Raizo muttered.
He turned to the girls. "You three stay here. I'll go in."
"Be careful," Shekiah said.
"Don't get squished," Fenra teased.
Raizo gave a half-smile before pushing through the crowd. Inside, it was like a packed barrel—adventurers shoulder to shoulder, the air stuffy and hot.
"…Ugh," Raizo muttered, slipping between people with effort.
He finally grabbed a random quest off the wall and made his way to the receptionist.
The woman behind the desk didn't even look up. "Name?"
"Raizo Hayagashi."
"Sign here." She slid over a paper.
Raizo scribbled his name.
"Here's your quest. Good luck."
He finally emerged from the Guild, panting slightly.
"Uh… ugh… I could barely breathe in there," he wheezed.
Fenra took the paper from his hand and looked it over. "Goblin subjugation, huh?"
Raizo nodded. "Yeah. Figured it would be a good test for Silvia's hand-to-hand skills."
Silvia gave a determined nod. "I'm ready."
The group moved down a dirt path surrounded by tall grass and sparse trees. Shekiah read the quest details aloud as they walked.
"Target is a small goblin nest hidden in a nearby cave. Estimated group: ten to fifteen goblins…"
Suddenly, Raizo's instincts screamed.
"Get down!"
He grabbed Fenra and Shekiah by their collars and pulled them back.
BOOM!
An enormous ice wall exploded into existence in front of them, blocking the path.
Snowy dust burst outward. The two girls stumbled back, stunned.
"Y-You saved us, Raizo," Fenra coughed, her eyes wide.
"Thanks," Shekiah added, brushing frost off her shoulder.
As the mist cleared, two shadowy figures emerged from the fog, both cloaked in dark cloth and wearing masks.
Raizo immediately drew his sword.
Fenra's claws extended with a sharp snikt.
Shekiah drew her longsword in a swift motion.
Silvia reached for her bow… then hesitated.
She dropped it.
"I'm not fighting from the back this time," she said, her voice firm. "I'll fight up front. Like all of you."
Fenra looked over, surprised. Then smirked. "Tch. Then be careful, long-ears. Fighting in front is way scarier than looking cool in the back."
Shekiah gave Silvia a supportive smile. "She's right. But I'm glad you're with us."
Raizo gave Silvia a brief nod. "Then let's move as one. Watch each other's backs."
Silvia nodded firmly, slipping on her new gloves.
Then… the elf boy stepped forward and removed his mask.
Silvia gasped.
The boy looked directly at her with sharp, familiar eyes.
"We finally meet again," he said.
Raizo's grip tightened on his sword. "Then let's finish what was started."
But Silvia's heart raced. Her eyes widened.
"…That face… It can't be."
Memories flashed—warm hands, forest paths, a childhood song.
Could it be—?
The figure beside the elf boy stepped forward. A girl with similar features, her voice cold.
"I'll handle the three. You handle him."
The elf boy nodded. "Yeah. I know, sis."
The elf girl slowly removed her mask.
Fenra's wolf ears twitched sharply. Her nose flared as she sniffed the air.
"...Silvia," Fenra muttered, turning to her, "are they… your older brother and sister? You all smell the same."
Silvia blinked, confused. "What?"
Suddenly, the elf girl summoned a shimmering scythe of silver and ice.
Raizo narrowed his eyes. "Fenra, Shekiah—handle this. I'll deal with the other one."
The elf boy, who had been silently watching, turned and ran. Raizo followed him. The two dashed across the training grounds and into an empty field, far from prying eyes.
Raizo stood still and called out, "Hey, elf boy! What's your name?"
The elf boy glanced back and replied, "Rio. And you?"
Raizo crossed his arms. "Raizo. Raizo Hayagashi."
Rio's eyes widened. "Wait—you're the brother of Lucas Hayagashi? The new Hero?"
Raizo gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Rio grinned. "Well... guess it's my lucky day."
Raizo's eyes fell on the collar around Rio's neck. A familiar, cursed relic.
"Wait… that's a slave necklace," Raizo whispered. "It's the same kind Silvia used to wear before we freed her…"
Rio's expression hardened. He touched the collar. "So what if I have it?"
Raizo looked at him calmly. "She was given a new name. A new start. I can help you take yours off too."
Rio scoffed. "Yeah, right."
Meanwhile...
Three girls now faced the scythe-wielding elf girl in the road.
Even with their numbers, Fenra, Shekiah, and Silvia found themselves being overwhelmed.
"She's… strong," Fenra muttered between breaths.
Shekiah nodded, sweat beading her brow. "Unbelievably."
"Strengthening," Fenra chanted, magic surging through her.
"Hardening," Shekiah followed, casting a defense spell.
"Strengthening," Silvia joined in, her body glowing faintly green.
The elf girl raised her scythe high and chanted:
"Glacia's chill, frost's bite, crystal's edge, icy light!"
—Ice Magic: Glaciem
A wave of cold burst from her. Her scythe gleamed with frost, and the arena floor froze solid.
"Silvia!" Fenra shouted. "Use your bow! We can't win close-range!"
"Got it!" Silvia replied, pulling back. But before she could nock an arrow, the elf girl slashed at her.
Silvia narrowly dodged. Fenra saw her chance.
"Earth Spike!" she shouted.
The ground beneath the elf girl cracked—spikes erupted upward.
But the elf girl reacted instantly:
"Frost's fury, spike arise, crystal's tip, icy surprise!"
—Ice Magic: Icicle Spike
Sharp icicles burst from the ground, clashing with Fenra's earth magic. Sparks flew.
"She's not just strong—she's fast," Shekiah growled, running to flank her from the left.
Silvia did the same from the right. They aimed to corner her.
But the elf girl spun, swinging her scythe wildly. Dozens of crescent-shaped blades shot out in all directions.
The girls leapt back just in time.
"Now!" Shekiah shouted.
Fenra leapt high into the air.
The elf girl gritted her teeth and cast:
"Aquari's force, liquid might, surge forth, watery light!"
—Water Magic: Water Bullets
A barrage of glowing water bullets launched at Fenra mid-air.
She crossed her arms to block, bracing for impact. But… nothing. The bullets splashed harmlessly and disappeared.
"What the—?" Fenra gasped.
On the ground, Shekiah took the opening. "Lightning Barrage!"
Bolts of lightning crackled from her hands, flying toward the elf girl.
As the girl dodged, Silvia appeared behind her, landing a strong kick to her back.
"Agh!" The elf girl stumbled straight into the lightning burst.
"AAAAHHHHH!" she screamed, collapsing to one knee.
She struggled to rise—but Fenra landed behind her and delivered a solid blow to the back of her neck.
The elf girl fell, unconscious.
"She's down," Fenra panted.
"Hey," Shekiah said, pointing. "Look at her neck…"
The others gathered around. Their eyes widened.
"That's… that's the same slave collar I had," Silvia whispered. "Right, Fenra?"
Fenra sniffed. "Yeah… same scent too. Could she really be—?"
Shekiah blinked. "Wait, what are you saying?"
Silvia took a deep breath. "When I was young, I had a brother and a sister. We were walking in the woods… when bandits attacked. All three of us were captured and sold. I was separated from them. My name back then… was Ria. My brother was Rio... and my sister… Rhian."
She looked down at the unconscious girl. Her voice cracked. "Raizo and Fenra saved me. They gave me a new name. A new life. But… if Fenra's nose is right…"
Fenra gently placed a hand on Silvia's shoulder. "That girl might be your older sister."
"And the boy Raizo's fighting…" Shekiah said, trailing off.
"…might be my older brother," Silvia finished softly.
CLANG!
Steel met steel as Rio's dagger clashed against Raizo's sword, sending out a wave of raw mana that cracked the earth beneath their feet.
Rio shouted,
"Wind's fury, accelerate within!"
—Wind Magic: Boost
A burst of wind surrounded him. In an instant, he disappeared and reappeared mid-air, striking again. Raizo countered:
"Boost!"
They clashed again—this time mid-air—causing shockwaves that echoed across the field.
As they landed, Rio stabbed his dagger into the ground, muttering,
"Tenebris lash, shadow's sway, darkness binds, night's decay!"
—Dark Magic: Dark Whip
Black tendrils erupted from the shadows, lashing out toward Raizo.
Raizo responded quickly,
"Earth Wall!"
A stone barrier shot up, blocking the first wave. But before he could catch his breath, Rio darted around the side.
"Lightning Dash!" Raizo shouted.
He zipped out of range, crackling with electricity. Rio's eyes widened.
"You're this fast? Are you even a swordsman!?"
Raizo didn't answer. He saw Rio charging again.
Rio slammed his dagger into the ground—more cracks—more tendrils. This time, there were many.
Raizo quickly transformed his sword into a shield, planting it into the ground.
The tendrils slammed against the shield with ferocious force.
Rio narrowed his eyes. "What kind of sword is that!?"
Raizo noticed the ground trembling beneath him. "Fly!" he shouted.
His body lifted off just in time, dodging another wave of dark whips.
From below, Rio grinned. "Smart move. But try dodging this—while you're in the air!"
"Solara's blaze, light's ascend, fiery beam, solar's end!"
—Plant Magic: Solar Beam
A bright green beam shot into the sky like a pillar of light.
Raizo tried to fly higher, but the beam followed him.
His shield caught the blast. The force sent him crashing back down, skidding across the cracked earth.
Rio smirked—until a dark whip wrapped around his own ankle.
"What the—?!"
He was hurled through the air—straight at Raizo.
Still sliding, Raizo saw Rio hurtling toward him.
Rio roared,
"Nature's edge! Verdi's slice, green's swift might, leafy edge, nature's light!"
—Plant Magic: Leaf Blade
Vines shaped like blades surrounded his dagger.
Raizo's eyes flashed. He transformed his shield into a massive war hammer.
With a deep breath, he shouted,
"GIGATON HAMMER!"
The hammer grew—covered in chunks of debris and dense mana.
Their powers collided mid-air, the clash exploding with force. The earth split open from the impact.
BOOM!
The ground shook.
Fenra's ears twitched. "What the hell was that!?"
Silvia's eyes widened. "We need to check it out—NOW!"
"I'll carry her," Shekiah said, lifting the unconscious Riyan.
The three girls sprinted toward the battlefield.
Back in the field, the two warriors stood, breathing heavily.
Rio smirked, blood on his lip. "So this is the strength of the Hero's brother…"
Raizo sheathed his sword slightly. "Give up. I can help you."
"Never," Rio growled. "Not until I find my little sister!"
Raizo's eyes narrowed.
"Echo's form, duplicate's might, mirror's image, twin's sight!"
—Illusion Magic: Clone
Dozens of Rios appeared, all surrounding him.
"You really do have a lot of magic in you," Raizo muttered, then switched his hammer back into a sword.
"Blazing Whip!"
His sword became a flaming lash, slashing through clones one by one.
But then—he stopped. "Where's the real one?"
He looked up.
Rio soared above, shouting:
"Ultima's risk, fate's last throw, desperate chance, final blow!"
—Fighting Magic: Final Gambit
Raizo reacted fast. "Icicle Dash!"
His sword turned to ice as he launched upward. They collided in the air, Rio's knee and dagger clashing with Raizo's sword.
The skies split open from the impact.
"AHHHH!"
Both shouted.
Then—Rio gasped. "W-What?!"
His knee was frozen—locked in mid-air.
Raizo gritted his teeth and swung. "This is the end."
The ice spread. Rio lost balance and crashed to the ground, unconscious.
Raizo descended slowly, landing near him.
He approached, raising his blade—ready to finish it.
"RAIZO, STOP!!"
He froze, turning.
Silvia, Fenra, and Shekiah had arrived.
Silvia stepped forward, panting. "Wait…"
Raizo lowered his sword. Silvia ran to Rio and Riyan, casting her spell.
"Health Regeneration."
A soft glow covered the two elves. Slowly… they stirred awake, now tied up.
Silvia turned to Raizo. "They're awake."
Raizo nodded and approached.
Rio groaned, then blinked. "Let us go…"
But Silvia stepped in front of him.
She closed her eyes, voice trembling. "Older brother… Rio? Older sister Riyan… is that you?"
Rio and Riyan stared.
Rio's voice cracked. "Wait—how do you know our names…?"
Riyan gasped. "No way… Are you—Ria?"
Silvia opened her eyes, smiling softly. "Yes. But now… my name is Silvia. Raizo gave me a new one."
Rio sat speechless. Riyan's eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Ria… I almost hurt you back there…"
Silvia shook her head. "It's okay, big sister. Call me Silvia now."
Raizo put a hand on Silvia's shoulder. She looked back—he just smiled and nodded.
She turned again, breaking down into tears, and hugged both her siblings tightly.
Rio and Riyan embraced her, overwhelmed.
Fenra and Shekiah smiled as they untied them.
"…Hey," Rio said after a pause, "Raizo. About what you said… Can you really take these collars off?"
Raizo nodded. "But we need the key. Do you know where it is?"
Both siblings nodded.
Riyan pulled out a small map. "It's in the Assassin Guild's base. But… it's heavily guarded."
Raizo stepped forward. "Just tell us where. We'll handle the rest."
The girls nodded with determination.
Raizo stared at the map. "Then it's settled. We pause our journey…"
He clenched his fist.
"Our new goal—take down the mercenaries Guild.
Everyone nodded in unity.