A suffocating silence fell upon everyone...
What did they mean by a "vessel"???And who were these people???
Everything was spiraling out of control...Whether they were an independent faction or servants of the "SI Army", the outcome was grim either way.
Everyone stood frozen in place...
The looks exchanged between (Vail) and (Daniel) said it all:Why these people, of all enemies…???
Meanwhile, (Lonz) stared ahead in fear and disbelief...
The mysterious man continued laughing before speaking again:
"Oh, how rude of me… Allow me to introduce myself—and my loyal followers.We call ourselves the "Draconic Order".We were chosen by the hidden force that rules this world from the shadows..."
His voice was calm. Too calm...
"We were created for one purpose only:to gather the ancient masters of this world...I am (Araki)—the current lord of this order."
A pause followed...
"We have existed since the dawn of time...Our faith has never wavered...Our goal has never changed..."
Those words only deepened the confusion. No one truly understood—except (Daniel), who exploded with rage and charged forward.
A storm of flames rained down from Araki's followers, forcing him back.
Araki laughed again, then turned his gaze toward (Vail).
"Oh, you, strong one…How was the gift I delivered to you in secret???"
His smile widened.
"I bet you liked it.I bet you spent the whole night wondering who sent it.Don't worry—it wasn't a secret admirer."
Vail's teeth clenched in fury.In an instant, he lunged forward with terrifying speed—so fast that most didn't even see him move.
But Araki blocked the strike effortlessly, as if he had expected it all along.
Vail staggered back.Shock spread across everyone's faces.
Once the moment broke, chaos erupted. Blades clashed. Flames ignited.
Only (Lonz) remained frozen—motionless—while the rest fought.
Then Araki shouted an order...
His followers retreated instantly.
Vail and the others gave chase—but suspicion lingered.A trap? In a forest like this???
(Raym) glanced back and noticed (Lonz) standing still.
"Sir Lonz?!! What are you doing??! Move—now!!!" he shouted.
Lonz snapped back to reality, his voice strained:
"Ah—sorry… I was… surprised.I haven't stepped onto a battlefield in many years.And for my first opponent after all that time… to be them…"
Raym was stunned—but this was no time for questions.
They rushed after the others...
Thanks to his training, Raym could still sense the presence and aura of those around him.The forest's dense fog did not hinder him.
He finally caught up...
The pursuit was brutal. Injuries mounted.The Draconic Order kept fleeing—as if leading them somewhere.
Vail managed to bring one of them down and took him hostage.
But before a single word could be forced out, the man ignited himself in flames—choosing death over betrayal.
Disgust flickered across Vail's face.
Why reveal themselves… only to run???They never intended to fight us.
Then—
The fog began to thin...
Step by step, visibility returned...
Too late did they realize the truth...
They had left the forest...
Ahead of them stood a massive city.
Ruined.Buildings shattered.Fields burned to ash.
Everything—destroyed.
As realization dawned upon them, Araki and his followers stood waiting.
Vail and Daniel both felt it...
Something enormous was unfolding behind the scenes.
Araki laughed softly—a laugh of satisfaction.
"I've already achieved my goal."
He spread his arms slightly.
"Welcome to our humble temporary home—Lorenda City."
His tone turned mocking.
"Apologies for the mess.Our pet enjoys playing a little too much."
With a single gesture, two of his men charged forward.
Their auras were overwhelming—unnatural.
Then Araki turned away, leaving them behind.
"Oh—one more thing.Thank you for your hospitality toward one of my men."
Everyone froze...
"He often told me how kindly you treated him.He's among your ranks now."
Vail shouted in rage:
"You bastard! Are you trying to divide us?!"
Araki laughed loudly.
"Oh, I'm starting to like you.And how do you think we found your location in the first place???"
He waved dismissively.
"Believe what you want.I have important matters to attend to."
He vanished.
Vail tried to pursue—but the two remaining figures stepped forward.
Only two???Is he truly confident enough to leave just them?
The men tore off their cloaks and shouted in unison:
"Nine Arts of Flame — Total Combustion."
Their bodies erupted in blazing fire as they prepared to strike...