A profound silence descended upon the jungle, broken only by the rhythmic drips of condensation from the ancient canopy. Kael stood tall, his hand still on the Beast-Ring, a deep sense of accomplishment radiating from him. The ring pulsed with a steady, sapphire light—the heart of the Azure Zephyrex now bound to him, a companion of legendary power.
"Is the bond established?" Sebastian asked, his voice low and calm. He had already collected the shimmering Sky-Crystal Shards and carefully placed the single, enormous Azure Zephyrex Egg into an incubator in his spatial ring.
"Yes, My Lord," Kael replied, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "It is done. The Zephyrex's power… it's immense. Its mind is sharp, and its will is as strong as its body."
"Good. Then let's move somewhere else," Sebastian said, his All-Seeing Eyes scanning the now-empty battlefield. The destruction they had caused was a beacon, a signal to any nearby students that a major conflict had taken place. "We have made enough noise to attract other opponents."
"Got it, My Lord," Kael affirmed, his loyalty absolute.
They moved with practiced efficiency, their figures melting into the dense undergrowth. For an hour, they moved tirelessly, their armor and cloaks allowing them to navigate the treacherous terrain like shadows. Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes mapped their route, identifying patches of high-mana flora and avoiding the territories of hostile Rune-Beasts. Kael, with his newly enhanced senses from the Azure Zephyrex bond, felt the subtle shifts in wind and energy, an extra layer of awareness that made them an even more formidable duo.
Finally, they came to a secluded glade, its borders marked by a shimmering, natural barrier of overgrown vines. The air was calm, the mana serene. It was a perfect spot to rest and recuperate.
"This place is safe enough," Sebastian said, sitting down with his back against a mossy tree trunk. "Let's take some rest here and then move forward."
Kael nodded and settled down opposite him, his massive frame blending into the shadows.
Sebastian reached into his spatial ring, bringing out two protein bars and two bottles of drinkable water. "Here," he said, handing them to Kael. "Have a drink and eat some protein bars. These might help you gain some energy back."
"Thank you, My Lord," Kael said, accepting the rations gratefully. The arduous battle with the Azure Zephyrex had drained him, both physically and mentally. The food and water were a welcome relief, a simple yet vital act of replenishment.
While they ate and drank, Sebastian brought out the information Rune-scroll, the very one they had secured from the trading terminal. He unfurled it, and the parchment glowed, displaying a holographic map of the core sectors. On it were twenty-one discovered ruins, each marked with a number and a brief description. He scanned the map, his mind processing the information with ruthless efficiency. They needed a new target, a place where their unique skills could give them an advantage over their rivals.
After watching the Rune-scroll for a while and discussing their options with Kael, Sebastian's gaze settled on one particular ruin. It was located in the sunlit woodland biome, the nearest ruin to their current location.
[ • Ruin No. 13: The Verdant Hollow
Name: The Verdant Hollow
Biome: Sunlit Woodland
Type: Old Elven Outpost
Lore: Moss-covered towers hidden in glades. Once a woodland watchpost for the elusive wood-elves, now claimed by nature itself and wild Rune-Beasts. ]
"This is it," Sebastian said, pointing to the glowing marker on the map. "The Verdant Hollow. An old Elven outpost. It's the nearest one, and given its location and lore, it's likely filled with nature-based Rune-Beasts and materials. We need to move fast towards it, before other students discover it and take all the materials."
Kael, his energy restored, rose to his feet. "Yes, My Lord."
They set off immediately, their rest period cut short by the urgency of their mission. They moved at a brisk pace, their senses on high alert. The jungle was no longer just a place of danger, but a racecourse, with other competitors hunting for the same prizes. Sebastian could already feel the heightened tension, the subtle energy signatures of other powerful Rune-Beasts and their masters approaching the ruin.
After an hour of silent travel, The Verdant Hollow emerged from the thick forest. It was a breathtaking sight—a collection of ancient, moss-covered stone towers and crumbling walls, woven into the very fabric of the massive trees that surrounded them. The entire structure was a testament to elven architecture, its graceful arches and intricate carvings now softened by time and nature.
However, The Verdant Hollow was far from empty. At the main gate, a large group of students had already gathered, their Rune-Beasts materialized and their gear at the ready. Sebastian and Kael quickly hid themselves behind old, sturdy willow trees, their Veil of the Silent Sentinel cloaks and masks providing perfect camouflage. Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes scanned the crowd, identifying the key players.
He saw six students from the Elven Sovereign Territory, Elarindor (the Verdant Crown), led by the capital city of Sylvalis. Among them, Sebastian immediately recognized the ethereal Princess Aerisyl Faelivara Elareneth and the stoic Prince Thaerion Vaelorian Elareneth. But they were not alone. The crowd was a who's who of powerful prodigies from the other empires: Prince Theodar Valerian Von Halberstein, Princess Adelheid Catherine Von Halberstein, and Prince Aurelio Isambard Von Halberstein from the Valtenna Empire; Prince Tovros Erem Darakel and Princess Siaran Liora Darakel from the Marashtan Empire; and Prince Ashmed Khazran Khurzaban and Princess Naeza Talah Khurzaban from the Khuruzan Empire, all with their squires and supporters. This was a gathering of apex predators, a congregation of the most powerful and cunning students on the island.
"What are these people doing here?" Kael whispered, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his Star-Iron Warhammer.
"Of course, they're trying to find a way to enter the ruin," Sebastian replied, his gaze sharp. "They're likely assessing its defenses and trying to breach the main gate. This place is a treasure trove, and everyone wants a piece."
"My Lord, then what will be our next step?"
"First, we should find a way to sneak into the ruin and try to collect resources and materials as much as we can," Sebastian said, his mind already formulating a plan.
"Do we really have to confront members of three Empires and the Elven Sovereign Territory, My Lord?" Kael asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"If needed, yes," Sebastian said, his voice cold and unwavering. "But for now, we move in the shadows. Our goal is to take everything without anyone knowing we were here."
"Roger that," Kael replied, his resolve firming.
Sebastian took a quick glance at his Rune-scroll, retrieving the detailed information he had on the Elven students, specifically Princess Aerisyl and Prince Thaerion.
• Princess Aerisyl Faelivara Elareneth
*Titles: Princess of the Royal Elareneth family of the Elven Sovereign Territory, Elarindor (the Verdant Crown)
*Home: Sylvalis city, Elarindor
*Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Flame Wardens (Aqueleth Unicorn, Terraleth Bear, Aethelys Bird), Tier IV: Arcane Protectors (Sylpheth Deer, Sylvalyn Elk), Tier V: Soul Sentinels (Nebuleth Wolf)
*Talent: Dawnmist Cleansing (Mythical tier) and Silverdew Healing (Legendary tier)
• Prince Thaerion Vaelorian Elareneth
*Titles: Prince of the Royal Elareneth family of the Elven Sovereign Territory, Elarindor (the Verdant Crown)
*Home: Sylvalis city, Elarindor
*Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Flame Wardens (Cindralys Serpent, Nerethys Otter, Rimethys Deer), Tier IV: Arcane Protectors (Solyndra Pheonix, Geodra Giant, Slatevyr Panther)
*Talent: Ironbark Constitution (Mythical tier) and Hayk's Eye (Epic tier)
"Damn," Kael muttered, reading the information on Sebastian's scroll. "These Elven students are going to be tough. This Princess Aerisyl Faelivara Elareneth has a Mythical tier and Legendary tier talent, and on top of that, a Tier V: Nebuleth Wolf to make it even tougher."
"Yeah, and we can't ignore Prince Tovros Erem Darakel, Prince Ashmed Khazran Khurzaban, and the other students either," Sebastian said, his mind already working on a solution. "Let's find a different path to enter The Verdant Hollow ruins. I think it's better to use the Irontalon Anchor to climb the wall directly and then enter the ruin from the roofs."
"Hmm, that might be a feasible plan for now," Kael agreed. "It avoids direct confrontation and plays to our strengths."
"Okay, now that the plan has been made, let's move," Sebastian said, his attention fixed on the back of the ruin, far from the crowd.
They moved silently, their steps muffled by the thick moss and fallen leaves. They circled the ruins, staying low and out of sight, until they reached the back wall—a crumbling section of stone and overgrown vines. It was the perfect entry point.
Kael, with a powerful grunt, used his whole arm strength to throw the Irontalon Anchor. The mechanical claws sailed through the air, gripping the roof with a solid thud. They began their ascent, Sebastian and Kael climbing the wall slowly and carefully, avoiding any loose stones or branches that might make a sound. For safety and to create a diversion, Sebastian released his Storm Hawk (Tier III: Flame Warden) and ordered it to make unnecessary noise far from their location, drawing the attention of the students at the main gate and keeping them from approaching.
After they both reached the top, Kael quickly retracted his Irontalon Anchor, the rope coiling back into the device, and strapped it to his waistline. Sebastian called his Storm Hawk back into its Beast-Ring, its job completed.
But their little diversion had not gone unnoticed. On the other side of the ruins, Prince Tovros Erem Darakel, a seasoned hunter and master of avians, was getting suspicious. He also had a Storm Hawk of his own and a deep understanding of its behavior. He knew that it was impossible for another Storm Hawk to be present in this area unless another student was nearby, and a cunning one at that.
"Liora," Prince Tovros asked Princess Siaran Liora Darakel, "did you see that Storm Hawk in the sky? It's flying in a suspicious manner."
"Isn't it yours?" she asked, her attention focused on the main gate.
"No, it's not mine. Mine is in its Beast-Ring," Prince Tovros replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Big brother, are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure about this. The way it was flying… it was a distraction," he said with an ominous tone.
"Then where in the hell did this Storm Hawk come from?" Princess Siaran asked, her expression turning serious.
"I am sure now that someone else, other than the students present here, is watching us. It could be another student, and a formidable and cunning one at that. Gather our personal party and ask them to find the way to enter the ruins fast before someone else takes all the rewards away first."
"Got it, brother," Princess Siaran replied, her body language turning from relaxed to tense.
A person emerged from behind Prince Tovros, his friend and advisor, Vartan Arakelian, a noble of the Marashtan Empire. "Is there any orders for me, Your Highness?" he asked, his tone respectful.
"Yes," Prince Tovros said, his eyes scanning the ruins. "Find out who was keeping an eye on us, immediately."
"Got it, Your Highness," Vartan replied, melting into the shadows to begin his search.
Prince Tovros was not the only one getting suspicious. Other students with knowledge of avian Rune-Beasts and their tactics also started to make their move, realizing that they were not alone. The air around The Verdant Hollow grew even tenser, a silent race against time beginning.
On the other side, Sebastian and Kael were already entering the ruin through the roofs. They dropped into a dusty, abandoned chamber, its walls covered in ancient, elven murals now faded and crumbling.
"My Lord, I think we should finish our job here fast. I really don't want to face those students," Kael said, his instincts screaming that they were running out of time.
"Yeah, me too. Among them, there are students with Tier V: Soul Sentinels as well," Sebastian agreed, his gaze sharp and focused. "So let's finish our job and flee silently from here."
Sebastian's Book of Beast Records started to flip frantically, identifying the Rune-Beasts present within the ruins and displaying their details. They were a mix of forest-dwelling creatures that had claimed this place as their new home. There were lots of Tier II: Acid Ants, tiny but corrosive creatures; agile Tier II: Fae Bunnies; sturdy Tier III: Wealdwalkers, tree-like creatures that blended into the ruins; and more dangerous Tier IV: Savermoss Scorpions and stealthy Tier IV: Plantheras.
"Let's clean this ruin and collect all the materials for ourselves," Sebastian commanded.
Sebastian and Kael, utilizing their new gear and working as a well-oiled machine, began their raid. They kept their Rune-Beasts small enough to navigate the narrow corridors and crumbling chambers. Sebastian sent his Thunderjaw Wyvern into the larger open spaces while he used his blades and his other beasts to clear out the more confined areas. Kael, with his Star-Iron Warhammer, simply smashed through anything that stood in their way. They moved with a terrifying efficiency, slaying every wild Rune-Beast they found and gathering all the materials and eggs that appeared in front of them, their spatial rings filling up with invaluable resources.
After what felt like an eternity of fighting and plundering, they reached the deepest part of the ruin. It was a huge, magnificent hall, its roof long gone, allowing sunlight to stream down into the center. At the heart of the hall stood a breathtaking Millennium Willow Tree, its branches and leaves glowing with a faint, ethereal green light. White a small treasure chest sat under the tree, guarded by none other than a formidable Tier V: Mortalyn, the Death Dancer.
[ Mortalyn, the Death Dancer
* Tier: V: Soul Sentinel
* Rune Power Level: 1,750
* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Elite
* Element: Shadow/Nature (Death/Life Hybrid)
* Encounter Rate: Very Rare (2% in wild)
* Evolution Stage: 3rd form (Final: Reaper Lord)
* Bonding Time: 2-3 years
* Lifespan: 900 years
* Physical Description: Mortalyn appears as an unnaturally elongated, skeletal humanoid creature with an elegant yet terrifying grace. Its body is comprised of dark, sinewy muscle wrapped around an exposed ribcage and spine, giving it a macabre ballet dancer's physique. The creature's most striking features are its sticky, root-like appendages that extend from its back and limbs—these crimson tendrils constantly writhe and seek organic matter to drain life force from. Its head is crowned with wild, spiky hair that resembles dried blood-red thorns, and it clutches a cluster of "Grasping Bites"—carnivorous flowers that pulse with stolen life energy. These parasitic blooms serve as both weapons and sustenance, allowing Mortalyn to absorb vitality from its victims while simultaneously offering that energy to heal allies.
"Damn, another Tier V: Soul Sentinel," Sebastian said, his eyes fixed on the terrifying creature.
"My Lord, what should we do?" Kael asked, his hand tightening on his hammer.
"Of course, we will defeat this Tier V: Mortalyn and take the reward," Sebastian replied, his gaze unwavering. For Sebastian, the treasure chest was good, but the Millennium Willow Tree itself was the real prize. The core of such a tree could help his Tier III: Springshoot Panda evolve into a Tier IV: Willowsage Panda directly, without any backlashes, a monumental leap in power.
"So what are we waiting for?" Kael asked, his fighting spirit ignited. "Let's kill it before other students arrive."
While Sebastian and Kael were talking, the Tier V: Mortalyn had already caught their scent. Its head, crowned with blood-red thorns, snapped towards them, its crimson tendrils writhing with predatory intent. It was awake, and it was ready for a fight.
Sebastian and Kael prepared to fight the Tier V: Mortalyn with all they had. However, Sebastian made a strategic decision. He didn't bring out his Frostmaw and Thunderjaw Wyvern to fight, keeping them in their Beast-Rings. He also asked Kael to keep his newly-bonded Azure Zephyrex in its Beast-Ring, reserving its immense strength for use if needed during their escape.
"This is not a fight for dominance," Sebastian told Kael. "This is a surgical strike. We get in, we get the core and the treasure, and we get out before anyone even knows we were here."
Sebastian drew his Twin Starfang Blades, the Dawn and Dusk blades shimmering in the sunlit hall. Kael readied his Star-Iron Warhammer and raised his Obsidian Soul Shield, its dark surface ready to deflect the unholy attacks of their foe. The battle for the Millennium Willow Tree and its treasures had begun.