After Riyan and Rio marked the map, Raizo stood and addressed the team.
"Alright. Fenra, Shekiah—you're with me. We're heading out immediately."
Silvia's eyes widened. "W-What about me, Raizo?"
Raizo turned and gave her a small nod. "You stay here. I'm sure you've got a lot of catching up to do with your twins."
Silvia smiled softly. "Alright… Be careful."
Without wasting a second, Raizo, Fenra, and Shekiah sprinted through the darkening forest, ducking under branches and leaping over roots. As night fell, they finally arrived.
A hidden base loomed between the trees.
Raizo crouched. "This must be it."
Shekiah narrowed her eyes. "Riyan and Rio were right—it's heavily guarded."
Fenra's ears twitched. "What's the plan?"
"I'll be the bait," Raizo smirked. "You two sneak from behind and take them out. No killing."
Fenra and Shekiah nodded.
Raizo stumbled from the bushes, pretending to be drunk. He started singing loudly and off-key.
""
One mercenary stepped forward, dagger ready. "Who's there?"
Another peered into the darkness. "Just some drunk fool."
"I'll shut him up."
The mercenary lunged—but Raizo dodged with ease and punched him in the gut. The mercenary dropped like a rock.
The others charged in, shouting.
Raizo stopped acting and took off toward a clearing.
"What's wrong? You tired already?" one of them taunted.
Raizo smirked and looked back. "Bye-bye now."
"Huh?"
CRASH!
Fenra dropped from a tree, grabbing two mercenaries and slamming them into the dirt. Shekiah emerged from the brush, swinging her longsword and knocking three mercenaries into a nearby tree.
"It's a trap!" someone yelled.
"Scatter!"
Fenra raised her palm.
"Plant Magic: Vine Trap!"
Roots shot from the ground, tangling and pinning the mercenaries. Within a minute, the guards were neutralized.
Raizo nodded to Fenra and Shekiah. They approached the front door of the base and pushed it open.
Inside stood three mercenaries—taller, stronger, clearly the elite.
Raizo cracked his knuckles. "Guess these are the ones Riyan and Rio warned us about."
Fenra's eyes narrowed. "Let's see how strong they really are."
Shekiah grinned. "Let's get this party started."
The trio lunged at them. Fenra dashed left. Shekiah veered right. Raizo held his ground at the center.
"Strengthening!" Fenra shouted, magic surging through her veins.
She struck her opponent—but he didn't even flinch.
"You're tough," Fenra said, stepping back.
The mercenary grinned and activated his dual daggers, coated in green mist.
"You should be scared."
He cast,
"Venom's twin, deadly blend, poison's mix, mortal's end!"
—Poison Magic: Double Venom
He lunged, stabbing her shoulder—only to freeze in disbelief.
Fenra stood unfazed.
She grinned, purple eyes glowing. "Poison immunity. You're out of luck."
Stunned, the mercenary jumped back and pulled out a black pill from a small jar.
"Let's see if this works!"
He swallowed it. His magical aura flared with intensity.
Fenra charged—but he blocked. She tried to kick him, but he caught her leg mid-air.
She landed, backed off, and whispered, "Boost."
Her speed surged. But the mercenary smirked. They clashed—and Fenra was slammed into a wall.
He dashed forward and disappeared, reappearing in front of her. His dagger sliced toward her throat. She ducked, but a brutal kick sent her tumbling.
One dagger dropped. He grabbed her neck with his free hand, choking her.
"The longer I choke you… the more potent my poison becomes."
Fenra coughed, blood dripping from her lip. Her vision blurred—but through it, she saw Raizo still locked in battle. Her fists clenched.
I'm not done yet. I'm going to fight beside him until the very end!
A blinding purple light exploded from her.
It surged into the sky.
The mercenary backed away in panic.
Raizo and Shekiah turned toward the beam.
"…That light—!" Shekiah gasped. "Her beast form!"
The light faded.
Fenra stood tall, transformed into a Fenrir. Her hair flowed with streaks of purple and black. Her golden eyes glowed. Magic pulsed from her like a storm.
The mercenary trembled. "Y-You… You're a Fenrir?!"
He stumbled back, slashing wildly with his daggers, sending poison waves. But nothing touched her. She walked forward like a predator.
The mercenary remembered an old memory.
"Someday, someone will appear… someone your poison can't touch…"
"No… No! Stay back!!"
BOOM!
Fenra punched him straight in the chest. The mercenary smashed into a wall and collapsed, unconscious.
She exhaled and returned to her normal form.
Turning to Raizo and Shekiah, she grinned. "Need help?"
Raizo smiled. "I've got this."
Shekiah spun her sword. "Same here."
Fenra chuckled and plopped onto a crate. "Alright. I'll watch the show."
The battle continued The clash echoed through the mercenary base as Shekiah and her opponent exchanged blow after blow, neither one giving an inch. Sparks danced in the air.
With a growl, the mercenary stepped back and chanted:
"Flames of fury, blade of might, ignite and strike this night!"
—Fire Magic: Flame Blade
Suddenly, his sword burst into flame, crackling with fiery power. He lunged forward, slashing down at Shekiah.
Shekiah blocked with her longsword, the impact shaking the air around them.
"Fighting Magic: Breaking Swipe!" she shouted.
Their weapons collided with a shockwave that shattered the nearby windows. The heat sizzled, but Shekiah held her ground.
From the sidelines, Fenra crossed her arms, smiling.
"Shekiah's getting stronger…"
The two warriors jumped back, breathing heavily.
Shekiah pointed her sword. "I'll admit it… you're the strongest opponent I've ever faced one-on-one."
The mercenary reached up and removed their hood and mask.
Shekiah blinked in surprise. "Wait… you're a girl?"
The mercenary smirked. "Yeah. My voice throws most people off. Shall we continue?"
"We shall."
Shekiah vanished in a blink.
"Lightning Magic: Lightning Dash!"
To the mercenary's eye, Shekiah disappeared.
But she stood calm, unfazed, and cast:
"Auric threads, weave and bind, reveal the presence left behind!"
—Wind Magic: Sensory Aura
The wind shimmered around her, and every time Shekiah tried to strike, her blade was blocked.
"Tch…" Shekiah jumped back, frustrated. "You're tough."
The mercenary smiled. "An honor to hear that… Now, my turn!"
"Pyrope's spark, thrust of flame, burn and claim!"
—Fire Magic: Flame Thrust
The mercenary dashed forward, her blade engulfed in fire, aiming to pierce Shekiah directly.
But Shekiah stood firm.
CLANG!
Their blades clashed.
Then… something changed.
The mercenary's eyes widened. Her limbs felt heavy.
"W-What…?"
She couldn't move.
"What's happening to my body?!"
Shekiah's pink eyes began to glow with an intense light—like a true ogre warrior.
"My ability… is called Arena Trap. When my opponent's weapon strikes mine at a specific point, it activates. Your body is now bound in a force field—too heavy to lift even a finger."
The mercenary gritted her teeth, trying to move… but her muscles refused.
Shekiah lifted her longsword high. "Time for a nap."
She swung with full force. CRASH!
The mercenary was flung into the wall, slamming hard before collapsing to the ground—unconscious.
Shekiah exhaled and lowered her sword.
Fenra called out with a grin. "Nice work."
Shekiah smiled slightly and looked toward Raizo.
Only one enemy left standing now.
As Fenra and Shekiah went in for a victorious high-five, a heavy thud echoed behind them. They turned sharply.
It was the mercenary leader—bloodied, buried partially in rubble, but still alive.
Shekiah clicked her tongue. "Tch. I guess he's not as tough as he thought."
Fenra crossed her arms, her tail twitching behind her. "Of course not. He was up against Raizo. Our leader's on a different level."
Shekiah nodded. "Yeah... you're right."
But the moment felt too short-lived.
The mercenary leader pushed himself from the debris, his lips curling into a bloodied grin. "You're strong, boy. Real strong."
Raizo stepped forward, resting his blade over his shoulder. "Of course I am. I'm the leader of the Dilhaze party."
Suddenly, the mercenary began clapping, slow and mocking. "Then it's time I show you... what my power is all about."
From a broken table nearby, he reached for a small glass jar filled with ominous black and red pills. Without hesitation, he uncorked it and swallowed them all.
Raizo's brows furrowed. "What the hell are you doing?"
A sharp silence followed—then pain. The mercenary dropped to his knees, clutching his stomach, growling inhumanly as black and red aura erupted from his body.
Raizo stepped back instinctively. "What is happening to him?"
Fenra's wolf ears stood on edge. She growled low and took a defensive stance, claws extending. "This is bad..."
Shekiah unsheathed her longsword. "That's not a human anymore…"
The mercenary leader's body convulsed—then mutated. His muscles swelled grotesquely. His right hand transformed into a monstrous claw. Jagged demonic fangs jutted from his mouth, and his eyes turned milky white.
He roared.
A chill ran through all three. For the first time in a long while, they felt fear.
Without warning, he lunged.
BOOM!
In a blink, Raizo was sent flying across the arena, crashing into a stone wall. The impact shook the ground, and rubble rained over him.
"Raizo!" Fenra shouted.
The monster turned its attention to the girls.
He lunged again.
Shekiah activated her ability. "Body Armor!"
A glowing sheen coated her skin as she raised her blade to block.
CRACK!
His claw broke through her defense and slammed her into the wall. She coughed blood and collapsed, dazed.
"Damn it!" Fenra leapt into the air, aiming to strike from above. But before her claws could reach, the monster grabbed her by the tail.
With monstrous strength, he slammed her into the ground and spun—THWACK!—throwing her like a ragdoll into a tree trunk.
"Ugh…" Fenra groaned, blood trickling down her temple. "I… I can't even fight that thing…"
The mercenary strode over to Shekiah and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her easily off the ground.
"Any last words?" he growled, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
From beneath the debris, a familiar voice roared:
"AHHHH!"
The rubble exploded outward.
Raizo stood up, blood dripping down his temple, his grip tight on his sword.
"You're fighting me, not them."
The mercenary turned, snarling. "Heh… I thought you were dead."
He dropped Shekiah unceremoniously, her body hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Raizo narrowed his eyes. "Earth Magic—Earth Spike!"
The ground rumbled. Jagged stones shot up, forming into sharp spears around Raizo. With a slash of his blade, they hurled forward like missiles.
The mercenary roared and swung his monstrous arm—BOOM!—the earth spikes shattered mid-air.
Smoke and dust filled the air.
Raizo darted through the haze, appearing behind the beast.
But too late.
FWOOSH!
The monster vanished and reappeared behind him.
BOOM!
Raizo barely dodged the crushing blow.
Then—snap!—something latched onto his ankle.
A dark whip had sprouted from the mercenary's back, entangling Raizo's leg.
"Damn it—!" Raizo struggled, but—
WHAM!
The mercenary's punch sent him flying again. He crashed into another wall, coughing up blood.
The monster raised both hands.
"Tenebrae, converge and form… darkness absolute, my will is sworn!
Dark Magic: Umbra Sphere!"
A colossal orb of shadow formed above his hands—swirling, unstable, and pulsing with death.
He hurled it toward Raizo.
Raizo, pinned down by black vines growing from the shadows, struggled. "What the—!? I can't move!"
His eyes widened.
"Is this… how it ends—?"
BOOM!
A blinding explosion shook the arena.
But the pain never came.
A voice echoed from above, clear and familiar.
"Raizo! Are you okay!?"
Raizo looked up.
Standing on the roof, bathed in moonlight, was Silvia.
Her light green eyes glowed softly under the stars.
Raizo gave a weak chuckle. "Took you long enough. I was getting a little… embarrassed."
Silvia smiled warmly.
Below, the mercenary narrowed his eyes, staring up at the elf girl.
"Another one…? Wait—those eyes… that hair…!"
A flicker of recognition passed over him.
"Rio…? No… Riyan…?"
Raizo's voice broke through the tense silence. "What about your older twins…?"
Silvia turned to him, her green eyes firm but emotional. "Raizo, don't you remember?" she said, clutching her bow tightly. "I'm one of you. I'm a member of your party. When you were gone, I couldn't even think straight—even with my older siblings around."
The mercenary leader sneered, licking blood from his lips. "How interesting… another plaything enters the stage."
"Don't underestimate me," Silvia snapped back, eyes sharp.
Then, something caught her attention—two keys glinting on the ground. Subtly, she shifted her gaze and signaled Raizo.
Raizo, still bound by the dark whip, followed her line of sight. His eyes landed on the keys. He gave a quick nod.
Silvia taunted the mercenary, "Why don't you fight me, beast?"
He growled. "Are you mocking me?"
Silvia smirked. "Maybe I am."
In a blur, the mercenary leaped onto the roof, landing face-to-face with her.
"What about now?" he hissed.
"Wind Magic—Boost!" Silvia chanted. Her speed increased instantly.
"Let's see if you can catch me!" she shouted, darting away in rapid movements. She aimed to flank him—but before she could attack, the mercenary merely clapped.
A burst of wind sent Silvia flying off the roof, crashing hard onto the grass below.
Meanwhile, Raizo finally broke free of the black whip, gritting his teeth through the pain. He grabbed the two keys and sprinted toward Fenra, who was healing herself under a nearby tree using her Generation ability.
"Fenra," Raizo said, kneeling beside her. "Once you've recovered, take these keys to Rio and Riyan. Free them from their slave collars."
Fenra looked at him, concerned. "What about you?"
"I need to help Silvia," Raizo said firmly. "Can you heal Shekiah too?"
Fenra nodded. "Yeah, of course."
"Heal her first. Then go free them."
Fenra gave a determined nod. "Understood."
Raizo dashed out of the factory just in time to see Silvia engaged in battle. She fired arrows while keeping her distance, moving gracefully.
"Stop running, elf!" the mercenary barked.
"Why? Are you getting tired?" Silvia teased, keeping her pace steady.
Furious, the mercenary raised his arms and chanted:
"Ferrum, forge my flesh, steel my soul, iron will, unleash!"
Fighting Magic: Steel Fist.
His claws and fists turned into shimmering steel.
Silvia reacted. "Wind Magic—Gale Arrow!"
The arrow launched—but the mercenary blocked it with ease. It ricocheted off his armored hand.
Her eyes widened. "What the…?"
The mercenary launched forward.
"Tenebrae, lash and bind, darkness unleashed, my will entwined!"
Dark Magic: Dark Whip.
The black tendrils lashed out, wrapping around Silvia's ankles.
"This is your end," he snarled.
But then—
CLANG!
A shield materialized in front of Silvia. Raizo stepped between them, transforming his sword into a shield activated a protective barrier.
The mercenary's punch shattered the shield, sending both Silvia and Raizo sprawling to the ground.
"You're all weaklings," he spat.
Raizo and Silvia struggled to their feet. Silvia notched another arrow. Raizo whispered:
"Lightning Magic—Lightning Blade."
Electricity surged around his blade. He lunged forward, clashing with the mercenary.
BOOM!
The force of their collision sent tremors through the earth.
They leapt apart.
Silvia saw her chance. She loosed an arrow—it missed.
The mercenary laughed. "You missed."
Silvia grinned. "Did I?"
Vines erupted from the ground beneath him, wrapping tightly around his legs.
She fired another arrow—this one struck true.
CRACK! A lightning bolt followed.
Then another arrow—this time, the vines froze solid.
"Raizo—now!" Silvia shouted.
Raizo transformed his sword into a staff.
"Ice Magic—Frozen Ball!"
A wave of cold engulfed the mercenary, freezing him from the feet up. But then—
CRACK!
His muscles bulged, shattering the ice in an explosive burst.
"Enough!" he roared.
He stabbed the ground with his claws.
BOOM!
The earth exploded.
Raizo and Silvia were thrown back. Silvia's bow slipped from her hand as she hit the ground, unconscious.
Raizo groaned, battered but still standing. "I'm not done yet…"
The mercenary stalked toward him—but a dagger suddenly embedded itself in the ground at Raizo's feet.
He froze.
Turning, he saw a familiar face—Rio, now free, standing tall beside Riyan, Silvia's older sister. Behind them were Fenra and Shekiah.
"You… How did you free yourselves?" the mercenary hissed.
Fenra stepped forward and held up the keys. "With this."
"You dare—!" He lunged at them in fury.
Riyan summoned her ice scythe, swinging it wide. A wall of ice rose to block the strike.
Shekiah dashed toward Silvia and cradled her in her arms while Fenra rushed to Raizo's side and began healing him.
Rio and Riyan faced their former captor.
"I trained you. I made you strong!" the mercenary screamed.
"You enslaved us!" Rio shouted. "You made us kill for you!"
Riyan's voice was cold. "You controlled us with those collars. You stole our lives."
"Silence! I'm your master!"
Riyan raised her scythe and cast:
"Glaciem, crystallize and hold, frozen chains, my will unfold!"
Ice Magic: Ice Prison.
The mercenary was encased in a block of glowing ice. But it cracked—red light pulsed within.
BOOM!
He burst free.
Rio lunged with his dagger, but the mercenary blocked.
"Fenra," Raizo whispered.
She turned to him. "What is it?"
"Go to Shekiah and heal Silvia."
"What about you?"
"That's an order," Raizo said firmly.
"…Got it," she said, rushing toward the unconscious elf.
Raizo stood, battered but resolved. He sprinted toward the mercenary.
With the combined efforts of Rio, Riyan, and Raizo, the tide began to turn.
Raizo shouted, "Let's finish this—now!"
Rio attacked first, striking the mercenary's side.
The mercenary knelt, stunned.
Riyan slammed her scythe into the ground.
"Cryos, descend and bite, icy grip, frozen night!"
Ice Magic: Frostbite.
The ground froze—locking the mercenary's limbs in place.
Raizo transformed his sword into a giant hammer.
"Earth Magic—Gigaton Hammer!"
The weapon surged with stone and debris.
With one final leap, Raizo brought it crashing down on the mercenary's skull.
THUD!
The mercenary fell—unconscious. His monstrous form receded. Silence settled.
Raizo collapsed from exhaustion.
---
He woke in a soft bed, sunlight trickling in from the window.
Beside him lay Silvia, Fenra, and Shekiah—all asleep, breathing softly.
He smiled faintly.
They had survived.