He wiped the sweat from his brow, casting a sideways glance at Yeuhan. “What now?” he asked, his voice strained but determined. Yeuhan watched him for a long moment, his expression still unreadable. "Now?.” Shiro wiped his forehead, his body trembling slightly from the exertion. “I thought you were going to kill me,” he muttered under his breath. Yeuhan’s laugh was low and dark. “I could, but where’s the fun in that? You’re still too weak, Shiro. The real challenge comes when you stop relying on physical force and start listening to your elements.” Shiro frowned, trying to make sense of what Yeuhan was saying. “So… control?” Yeuhan's eyes sparkled with an edge of amusement. “More than that. It’s about connection, I'm sure you've been told. You can’t force your elements to obey. You have to ask them, listen to them, guide them with your will.” Shiro didn’t fully understand, but he nodded anyway. He was learning—although at a pace he never thought possible. Before he could say an

The festival was alive with vibrant energy as Shiro, Mei, and Yuki wandered through the lively streets. Lanterns of every color swayed gently overhead, casting a warm glow over the crowd. Performers juggled flaming torches while some merchants called out, advertising their wares. The air smelled of roasted chestnuts and sugary treats, making it almost impossible to resist stopping at every stall.“This is insane!” Mei exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at a nearby booth selling tiny, glowing trinkets. “They really went all out this time. It's very lively and big, even amidst all that's happening now.”Yuki smirked, nudging her playfully. “ That's right, Mei, and try not to blow your whole allowance on those glowing rocks there.” he said as he caught her staring at them.“They’re not rocks!” Mei huffed, crossing her arms. “And don’t act like you’re not eyeing that grilled meat skewer stand over there.”Yuki’s stomach growled, betraying him, and he shrugged with a sheepish gri

Liora stirred awake, her body heavy with tiredness and exhaustion. The orb had drained all her strength, but she was recovering slowly and refused to stay in bed any longer because she was getting better anyways. Slowly, she swung her legs over the side and forced herself up, ignoring the lingering ache in her limbs. The room was dimly lit, the candles flickering from the draft seeping through the cracks in the stone walls.She was alone this time. Zerix had visited her earlier today, his voice tight with worry as he told her about Shiro that had been taken. He informed her on how the council was searching for him, but no trace had been found. The news had sent a chill down her spine, yet another weight added to the storm of unease building up inside her.She knew something. She just needed answers.Liora turned towards the bookshelves lining the far wall, each shelf packed with texts on elements and it's elemental powers, it's history, and the legends of Serevaal. But… Lio

A voice. Faint, yet firm. Calling him. "Wake up." Shiro's eyes fluttered open. His vision blurred for a moment before settling on the btight space around him. Shiro then looked up at the figure standing before him. His breath hitched. The man was tall, his skin a deep crimson, glowing faintly in the darkness. His eyes, golden and piercing, held a calm authority. His hair, long and flowing like fire, carried a power Shiro could feel in his bones. He looked exactly like him—Shiro. No. I look like him. Shiro thought. Was he??? "You... you're Elro," Shiro whispered, his voice hoarse. The figure smiled. "Yes, I am." Shiro stared at him, his mind racing. Elro. The great savior of Serevaal. But why was he here? Why was he standing before him, speaking as though he had been waiting for this moment? "Why are you here?" Shiro asked, his voice laced with confusion. Elro's expression remained calm. "I should be asking you the same, young hero. Why are you here?" Shiro frowned, loweri

Shiro’s chambers felt colder than usual, despite the gentle glow of the lanterns floating in midair. The silence wasn’t peaceful, it was unsettling.Mei stood near the edge of the bed, arms crossed, her brows drawn tightly together. Yuki paced back and forth, unable to sit still, his boots scuffing softly against the floor. Korin was in a corner, floating restlessly, his normal color changed, signifying he was worried.“I think we should just go find him ourselves,” Yuki said, his eyes sharp with determination. “Waiting around is useless.”“Yuki,” Korin muttered, lowering his voice as he glanced around the room, “you’re not thinking straight. If we go without telling anyone, and something happens to us–”“Then we’ll be in more trouble than Shiro,” Mei finished, arms crossed as she leaned on the table. “Still... Yuki's right. We’ve waited long enough.”Korin sighed. “But what if they’re already doing something behind the scenes? You know how secretive the Protectors can be.”“I don’t