Small raindrop-like shards of crystal chipped into the hall's wooden floorboards. Reid released an excited chuckle, smashing his fists together. "Zora, the #9 hunter in the country! I bet So-I mean, Kevin already told you this, but I'm honored to engage in a battle with you!"
Zora's breath slowed. "Ever since we were children, Azul has trusted me! Every single time, I HAVE PROTECTED HER FROM HARM'S WAY! I WON'T LET YOU TAKE HER AWAY, NO MATTER WHAT!"
A large crystal spear raced out the dust. Reid's bubbling fist extended, splitting the crystal with a fierce punch. "It has already been established that your love isn't enough! So much for a professional hunter!"
Zora growled, slamming back onto the ground. "YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
"As a kid, I was just like you - that was my worst MISTAKE!" He charged at Zora, striking his fist into his chest. "This is the world of entities, a world of political tussles and supernatural threats! You're a public symbol, the #9 Nahatan hunter! DON'T JEOPARDIZE YOUR COUNTRY WITH YOUR SELFISHNESS!"
Zora's sparkling fists slammed against the ground. "You're a member of Fire Moon, I won't listen to you!"
He rushed at Reid again, coating his fists in crystal. Reid effortlessly grabbed his arm, throwing him back onto the ground. "Notice how this battle is playing out - holding such a strong presence, you would've dominated us if you remained calm! I apologize, but this fight ends now."
He grabbed a shard of crystal from the floor and stabbed it into Zora's heart. "Your heart is what makes you weak - therefore, I'll destroy it."
Zora's pulse began to intensify. All his life, Azul had trusted him - what would she think if he were to fail? Reid lifted from the ground, approaching the glowing portal. "We depart now, Fire Moon - Azul is ours."
Zora had failed. He lay helpless on the ground, forced to reflect on his previous actions. In that exact moment, he came to an important decision - "I'm going to redeem myself for you, Azul."
The night of April 4th in the Grand Province would go on to be known as the Royal Complex incident. Leading into the province's morning hours, the news spread like wildfire. Zora's sudden disappearance following his hospital checkout intensified citizen's worries - but for the time being, what was to come?
Volume 13, Chapter 56 - Selfish Desires
"Three members of Team Pyron are on the run following an incident taking place in the early morni…"
Kevin's eyes shot open, listening into the buzzing radio. "Where the hell…"
He was restrained to a small bed with thick, clinking chains. His head moved, noticing three other beds throughout the room - all unoccupied. "Am I still… in the Grand Province?"
The door creaked open. "KEVIN, ABOUT TIME YOU WOKE UP!" Kaelan shouted, rushing towards the bedside. Kevin released a fatigued groan worsened by his overstimulation. "Kaelan… where are we?"
"It's been about twenty hours since your little chase," Alan's voice projected throughout the room. He calmly stepped through the room, halting at Kaelan's side. "Long story short, you're a wanted criminal."
"WHAT!? WHY THE HELL ARE WE WANTED? I THOUGHT WE WERE HERE TO SAVE THE PROVINCE, NOT DESTROY IT!" Kaelan's hand covered Kevin's mouth. "Shush. Let Alan speak."
"Last night, three mages identical to you all infiltrated Uraview's Royal Complex, capturing Princess Azul in the process. From what Gerald, Lila, and past newspapers have reported, you guys have been framed."
Kevin's expression faded. "We can't leave here if we're criminals… What are you suggesting, Kaelan?"
Lila burst through the door. "WE EMBARK ON A DARING JOURNEY TO URAVIEW!" Behind her followed Gerald, holding a small book against his chest. "Clearing our name is our only option, so we'll do just that."
Kevin snickered. "An adventure? I like the sound of that!"
"Hold on," Alan's voice interrupted. "It's also reported that Fire Moon escaped through a glowing portal. What'll be the point of entering Uraview if we can't infiltrate their escape route?" Lila raised her hand. "My code is capable of reopening specific portals within 24 hours! The longer it was generated, however, the more power it'll drain from me…"
Gerald and Kaelan sighed in relief.
Alan's fingers snapped. "That's it! However, we're still racing against time here…"
Kevin snickered, turning to Gerald. "Why can't I just fly over to Uraview, break into the complex, and use Tamar's orb?"
Gerald sighed. "Do you want the government to hate us more?"
Southwestern Grand Province
We transition to the southwestern portion of the Common Realms, where Zora's disappearance dominates the community's conversation topics. Xavier strolled through the lively streets, placing a newspaper on a nearby wooden stand. "The advice provided to me by Riley is sure to help, but it seems like events have picked up overnight…" He halts before a house made of sturdy wood, reading the address over the doors. "9231… so this is where Adrian lives?" He turns the doorknob, walking into the dark residence.
"Welcome, Protector of the Phantoms. I believe Riley directed you here," a voice echoed through the room. Before Xavier stood a man with neat, brown hair styled into a bowl cut. "Correct," Xavier replied. Across from Adrian stood a wooden table holding an unusually large chess board. "You play chess?"
"Cut the small talk and sit down."
Xavier sits down. "On top of your job as a professional hunter, I also heard you were a former detective."
Adrian's gaze sharpens. "Used to work with Ray, the top 23rd."
The room settles into awkward silence. Adrian's fingers lift onto the table, quickly resetting the chess board. "Your friends are currently wanted fugitives," he reminded. "Due to Princess Azul's abduction and Zora's disappearance early in the morning, you're going to work with me to get to the bottom of it."
Xavier gulps. "Very well then - I look forward to working with you."