Episode : A Journey Ivella Had Never Known
A strange mix of guilt and excitement churned within Ivella. Guilt, for leaving her community behind; excitement, for the new world unfurling before her. Her usually stiff, formal speech began to soften as she spoke with Lian and Kairen, a subtle shift she herself hadn't noticed.
As they crossed the vast plains, her eyes widened at the sight of horses galloping against a backdrop of towering peaks. She, who had never ventured far while protecting her home, found everything a revelation. A sense of gratitude washed over her for the simple thrill of adventure. It was then that she saw them—humanoid figures with the forms of great bulls.
"Look there, monsters!" Ivella cried out, her hand flying to her spear. Her heart hammered against her ribs, tension coiling in her gut.
Lian quickly moved to her side. "Ivella, lower your spear. They are the Rungard."
She stared, her eyes wide with astonishment, at the bull-like people. They were stout and powerfully built, and the sight of them, so alien, sparked a flicker of fear.
"The Rungard?" she echoed. "Are they not enemies?"
Lian offered a faint, reassuring smile to ease her tension. "They look similar to the Brontaur tribe in Elysium. Like them, the Rungard are just another people, living in their own way."
Just then, one of the Rungard spoke, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We understand your unease. But we are not your enemies. It is easy to misunderstand when our forms are so different."
A wave of relief washed over Ivella at their benevolent demeanor. "I apologize. I let my fear get the better of me."
The Rungard chuckled. "It is understandable. We simply wish to live in peace in our own lands."
Lian gave Ivella a slight smile. "Through this experience, you will come to understand many different beings. This is but the first step of your adventure; there is no need to be so tense."
As she spoke with the Rungard, Ivella's anxiety slowly faded, replaced by a growing curiosity to know more about their lives. "I want to learn more about the Rungard. How they live, what their culture is like…"
Kairen gave a brief nod of understanding. "Let us visit their village together. We may learn much there."
Ivella nodded, feeling as if a small weight had been lifted from her heart. She had been given a chance to discover and grow, alongside new friends. And in that moment, she realized just how much more she wanted to learn.
"Alright! Let's go together!" she answered, her voice bright, ready for the new adventure that lay ahead.
The three of them, accompanied by the Rungard, moved toward their lands, and Ivella began to truly feel the importance of this journey. Now, with both fear and curiosity in her heart, she was setting out on the path of adventure with her new companions.
**
Episode : An Experience in the Rungard Village
Upon arriving at the Rungard village, Lian, Kairen, and Ivella were met with a warm welcome as they sought to learn about their culture. The village was nestled in a lush forest, its homes built by a quiet river, blending in harmony with nature. In a central square, a great fire blazed, and around it, the Rungard were engaged in various activities.
Lian first went to observe the warriors' training. The sight of the powerfully built Rungard warriors swinging their heavy maces was a spectacle. "Truly incredible! How do they handle such heavy weapons?" Lian marveled, turning to Ivella.
Ivella watched their techniques with fascination. One of the warriors approached them. "Care to try?" he offered. Ivella hesitated for a moment but decided not to miss the chance to test herself. "I'll give it a try!" With the warrior's help, she lifted one of the maces.
Lian stood beside her, offering advice as he joined the training. "Use your whole body. Feel the weapon as an extension of yourself." They practiced their techniques together, naturally building a sense of teamwork.
Meanwhile, Kairen was interacting with the Avatarians, learning their magic. "Nature is our friend and our teacher. We must live with it," one of them said. Kairen took their wisdom to heart, focusing intently on learning how to utilize the power of nature.
"The more I understand, the more fascinating it becomes. To think the power of nature is this potent," Kairen said in awe. The Avatarian smiled and demonstrated more of their skills.
After a long day's journey, the Rungard served them a special meal. The dish, made with savory meat and fresh vegetables, was exquisite. They shared stories as they ate, their time filled with joy and a growing friendship.
"An experience like this is truly unforgettable," Lian said with a laugh. "Ivella, you are growing into a fine warrior as well."
Ivella, through her interactions with the Rungard and Avatarians, learned a great deal and could feel herself growing. They forgot the day's fatigue, experiencing the Rungard's life of harmony with nature and deepening the bonds of their new companionship.
**
Episode : The Brutegar Assault
As night fell, a deep peace settled over the Rungard village. But from the darkness, a sudden clamor erupted.
"What was that sound?" Ivella asked, her voice tight with tension. Lian gripped the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the perimeter. Normally, Lia would have already cast a warning spell, but she was not here.
"Everyone, quiet!" Lian commanded, his senses on high alert. At that moment, massive figures emerged from the darkness. They were the Brutegar, a powerful race that had long been enemies of the Rungard.
"It's the Brutegar!" a Rungard warrior shouted. A wave of tension washed over the village. The warriors hastily took up their weapons, assuming a battle stance. Lian drew his greatsword, ready for a fight.
As the Brutegar warriors charged with a roar, Lian cast an enhancement spell upon himself. His greatsword glowed, radiating an even greater power. "Everyone, be careful!" he yelled.
As the enemy closed in, Lian swung his greatsword to meet the first Brutegar's attack. A metallic clang rang out as the enemy's armor and sword met his. Lian tried to counter, but another enemy was approaching from behind. "Watch your back!" Kairen shouted, charging in.
Kairen struck the enemy in the side, aiding Lian. He cried out the name of his technique, a blazing lion erupting from his fist. The flame struck the Brutegar warrior in the chest, engulfing him. The enemy staggered back, and in that opening, Lian swung his greatsword again, delivering a decisive blow.
But the Brutegar warriors were relentless. Another charged at Lian, swinging a heavy mace. Lian barely managed to twist away, but the thought flashed through his mind that if Lia were here, she would have instantly subdued the enemy with her magic. But he quickly pushed the thought of her absence aside and focused on the battle. Now was the time to fight.
Just then, Ivella drew a javelin. "Over here!" she shouted. She threw it, imbued with the power of lightning. The javelin, wreathed in electricity, flew toward the enemy, striking with a powerful impact. "We can win this!" she cried out triumphantly, immediately crouching to prepare her next attack.
The Rungard warriors fought with grim determination to block the Brutegar's charge. One of them met an enemy's mace with a massive shield, then, seeing an opening, thrust his spear into its side. "We must protect our village!" he roared bravely, his focus absolute.
The Brutegar chief pushed the Rungard warriors back, swinging a giant mace. The ground shook with the powerful impact, and the Rungard warrior momentarily faltered. "You cannot resist us!" the chief bellowed. But the Rungard warrior drew a dagger and fought back. He would not fall.
Seeing this, Lian transformed his weapon into twin blades. "Time to counterattack!" He moved through the battlefield, a whirlwind of steel, swiftly subduing his enemies. They flinched and retreated before his continuous assault. Lian, not missing the opportunity, spun and broke through their defenses.
Kairen gathered the ki of lightning and fire and shouted once more. "Fist of the Thunderclap!" His fist flew toward the enemy chief, and a powerful electric shock struck his body. The enemy let out a great roar and collapsed.
The battle raged on, but the Brutegars' morale was beginning to crumble. Finally, their remaining forces gave up on the village and began to retreat. The Rungard warriors let out a weary breath, the reality of their victory sinking in.
"You have saved our village. You are true warriors," the Rungard leader said, expressing his gratitude to Lian's party.
Lian, proud to have finished the battle with his companions, said, "This was a result of us working together. Let's continue to fight as one." He was no longer shaken by Lia's absence, having led his companions to victory through their own cooperation.
***
Episode : In Search of the Water's Source
After the remnants of the Brutegar had retreated, a sense of peace returned to the Rungard village. Lian, Ivella, and Kairen, still feeling the aftereffects of the battle, helped the village warriors with the cleanup. Just then, the Rungard leader approached and offered his thanks once more.
"Thank you again. But I still do not understand why they attacked us like this," the leader said, shaking his head.
Lian, hearing this, asked with a puzzled expression, "When did this conflict with the Brutegar begin?"
The Rungard leader was lost in thought for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Actually, this is not such an old matter. This land was originally rich with water and food. But a short while ago, the water channels began to diminish, and that's when the problems started."
"The water diminished?" Ivella asked, narrowing her eyes. "So you began to fight over the water?"
The Rungard leader nodded. "That is so. As the water channels dried up, our village and the Brutegar began to clash over the remaining water. This battle, too, must have been an attempt to seize our resources."
Lian's expression was grim. "We must find out why the water channels have shrunk. If it is a natural problem, we might be able to find a solution."
Kairen added, "Simply continuing to fight will not solve anything. We must find a way to resolve the water problem."
The Rungard leader expressed his gratitude. "All we know is this. A strange energy has been detected from the Gloomfang Mountains, where the water channels begin. According to ancient records, a great power slumbers there."
Ivella's smile was tinged with excitement. "An ancient power… there is surely something there."
Lian made his decision. "Then our next destination is the Gloomfang Mountains. We must find the cause of the diminished water flow there."
Kairen nodded. "If there is something connected to an ancient legend, we may be able to find the answer."
The Rungard warriors encouraged them and offered to guide their way. "You must be careful if you enter the mountains. Even our ancestors rarely went there. Ominous things have always happened when the ancient power awakens."
Lian bid a final farewell to the Rungard warriors and set out for the Gloomfang Mountains. The path before them was perilous, and as they drew closer to the mountains, a cold mist enveloped them.
"If the legend of the mountains is true, then it might be that very ancient power that is obstructing the flow of water," Ivella said, her voice full of curiosity.
"That is a possibility," Lian agreed. "But if that power has been corrupted or is distorting the flow of nature, then we must be the ones to solve it."
As they walked, they began to feel the imposing presence of the mountains. The range was veiled in a faint mist, and a sinister energy seemed to slowly emanate from it.
Lian looked at the mountains and said, "That is where we must go. We will find out why the water has vanished."