The morning in Neosis was still slightly chilly, with mist lingering on the red-tiled rooftops. Minoros returned from the bustling market, carrying a leather bag filled with bread, cheese, and a few sprigs of aromatic herbs. Under the slanting sunlight filtering through the trees, his white fur shimmered faintly, damp with dew.
On his way back, he caught the sound of commotion from the small town square. A crowd had gathered before the city's notice board. The morning scent of earth from the market mingled with the heavy murmur of voices in the air.
Minoros pushed through, his brow slightly furrowed. At the center of the board hung a large piece of leather, stamped with the red wax seal of House Kyros. Bold, flowing script declared:
"Proclamation from King Kyros V – A call for heroes to rescue Prince Leos."
Below were the details:
"Prince Leos, the light of the kingdom, whose beauty and talent surpassed all, has offended Elion, God of Light and Poetry. Due to the king's irreverent boasts, Elion has exacted punishment: the prince is imprisoned in a cave by the southern sea, bound by golden chains laced with thorns, tormented daily by the roars of a sea monster, his soul slowly fracturing in darkness and delirium.
Whoever can rescue the prince will be granted the right to request one wish from the king, along with boundless treasures, lands, and glory.
But… thus far, all who have been sent have not returned."
Minoros stood silent for a long moment. Around him, the crowd muttered:
—"Another challenge to the gods. That arrogant king."
—"Who'd dare to try? Crossing Elion is like defying the heavens themselves."
—"And that sea monster. They say it's multi-headed, it's roars summoning storms…"
Minoros said nothing. He turned and strolled back to the lodging where Aerax awaited.
Aerax was sharpening his horned dagger, his tall frame seated cross-legged by an open window. A light breeze ruffled his mane over his shoulders. When Minoros set the bag on the table, Aerax glanced up briefly.
"Looks like you brought back more than food," Aerax said, eyes still on his blade.
Minoros recounted the notice, his voice calm but his eyes glinting with interest. When he mentioned the reward—a wish from King Kyros—Aerax looked up fully.
"The king will grant anything?" he asked.
"Anything the rescuer desires," Minoros confirmed. "Gold. Land. Finery. Fame. Perhaps… even an army, if that's the wish."
Aerax gave a faint smile, half-mocking, half-calculating.
"Sounds like a trap. But a tempting one."
Minoros sat down, slicing the bread. "We need money. Clothes. Weapons. Power. If we can claim that wish… we can't pass up this chance."
"And Elion?" Aerax asked, gazing out at the bustling street below. "Thalakor sank us once. Now we face another god."
Minoros chewed slowly, then nodded. "If you aim to become a god, clashing with them is inevitable. This could be the next trial."
Aerax stood. "Then we'll go to that cave. And we'll tear the prince from the gods' grasp."
Minoros laughed, his voice deep like a drum in an ancient temple. "And I'll see if Prince Leos is truly more radiant than light itself."
They fell silent, gazing at the sunlight spilling over Neosis's rooftops. In their minds, different visions took shape: Aerax saw himself emerging from the cave, prince in tow like a trophy, claiming the right to reshape his fate. Minoros imagined a world where they no longer hid, where the god of ambition was worshipped once more.
Aerax moved to the wooden table, unrolling a map Minoros had roughly sketched of the surrounding lands. He traced the southern coast, where natural caves formed amid cliffs. According to market gossip, that was the lair of the sea monster, sent by Elion to punish.
"We'll need more than what we have. We can't charge in empty-handed," Aerax said, eyes narrowing in calculation. "Ropes, climbing hooks, sharp weapons. If possible, a guide."
"No one wants to tangle with gods," Minoros replied. "But gold as a reward will draw the desperate."
"We just need to get close. I'll handle the rest," Aerax said, clenching his fist. "If I can navigate a labyrinth and drink a god's blood, a sea monster is nothing."
Minoros nodded, then said softly, "Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we prepare. If the skies allow, we leave in three days."
The moon over Neosis shone full and bright. Somewhere by the southern sea, in a cave, waves crashed and roars echoed. A soul awaited rescue, and a new destiny waited to be forged in blood, claws, and unshakable ambition.
A breeze carried the salty scent of the sea through the open window, along with the distant strains of a wandering band playing in a narrow alley. Aerax closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. For the first time since leaving the island, he felt he stood at a true turning point—not for the reward, but because this act could change how the world saw him.
Minoros sat quietly at the table, carving small wooden pieces into fish-tooth shapes for hooks. His large, calloused hands moved with surprising care. In his heart, his bond with Aerax was no longer just a matter of duty. It was a choice. A long-dormant ideal had been reawakened.
Unbeknownst to them, far to the south, Elion sensed the stirrings of fate. Beneath the sea, his monster stirred, its torch-like eyes blazing toward the two strangers who would soon approach.
This was no longer just about rescuing a prince. It was Aerax's first declaration to the gods.