Kael lingered at the other end, one hand on the map, the other holding a filigreed obsidian dagger that seemed too decorative for murdering.
"This… is what remains of us," he murmured.
I didn't respond. Silence was always the most effective lure for honesty.
Kael looked up, his silver-gray hair gleaming in the torchlight. "You most likely envisioned something more. heroic. A great rebellion. A force of soldiers with banners. Instead… isolated cells, coded messages, and cowering like rodents."
"I've had worse," I said coolly. "Once, the rebellion's headquarters was within a speechifying mushroom that would not keep quiet."
Kael's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
"Yup. Not recommending it."
He snorted a laugh, and then grew grave once more. "The Peace Council sees it all.Each flash of magic is monitored. Each unplanned excursion from the cities is recorded. Most men don't even know how to fight anymore."
"And the rest?"
"They have embraced peace. Or they have forgotten freedom, No war,No bloodshed, But neither, no decision, No heart."
I reached the table carefully, eyes creeping over the lines of red and worn ink.
"And the rebels?"
"Dwindling. We lost three outposts last year. No reinforcements. No new awakenings. Some of our allies have even ceased to believe in your existence."
I arched a brow. "And yet, here I am"
Kael's eyes met mine, and for an instant, something desperate flashed there.
"Yeah," he breathed. "Here you are."
A heavy silence lay between us.
"Enough of the doom talk," he said abruptly, driving his dagger into the table. "You came back. That's reason enough to light the torches. Tonight, we party like dragons."
I cocked my head. "Dragons party?"
Kael smiled. "You'll see."
The war chamber gave way to a vast, natural cavern lit with hundreds of crystals embedded into the walls — glowing in rainbow hues, dancing like stars. Music echoed through ancient tunnels, played by instruments carved from bone and stone. Fires crackled. Laughter spilled over.
Someone shoved a wooden cup into my hand. It smelled like fermented regret.
"Is this safe?"
Kael clinked his mug against mine. "Absolutely not."
We drank.
A roar of noise came from the crowd. Kael lifted his arm. "People of the Obsidian Dreamers! Your lost hero… Rhaizen… is back!"
The applause was thunderous. Some people openly wept. Others simply stood with their mouths open in shock.
I took a little wave.
"Act cool, don't smile, just nod and blink slowly," I said to myself.
One dude fainted anyway.
Kael then pointed theatrically to a group emerging from the darkness.
"Now, meet my Five Swords."
Five individuals emerged, each oozing danger, flair, and overconfidence.
Kael's Five Swords
Virella – The Crimson Waltz
A red-haired woman wearing a flame thread dress. Her sword was curved like a ribbon on a dancer, Her attacks accelerate with each step, becoming unstoppable if she keeps rhythm, "If you ever wish to spar, hero, I promise to take it slow. Unless you enjoy pain."
Drogan – The Iron Maw
Giant man, tree-trunk arms, sword the size of me.
Turns defense into offense; the more he's struck, the more forceful his next attack.
"If anyone lays a hand on our leader, they deal with me. Including you, Rhaizen."
Kaine – The Shadow Seamstress
Hooded figure, face hidden, blades concealed.
Can untangle shadows and sew them into blades or cloaks.
Line: "…"
Talli – The Glass Fox
Youngest member of the group, dressed in crystalline armor and spinning daggers made of glowing ice,Can weave illusions from light refractions, disorienting enemies during battle.
"You're older than you appear! Wait… you ARE old, aren't you?"
Serik – The Thunder Monk
A peaceful man with runes on his arms, no equipment, just fists.
Transmits electricity through his body while reciting ancient mantras.
"Your arrival breaks the rhyme of this world. I enjoy it."
I stood among them, drinking that vile concoction, with memories not my own flashing at the periphery of my thoughts. My spirit was more ancient than this world, yet my face — to them — was all they had been expecting.
And still, I didn't know whether or not I could deliver.
I glanced at Kael.
He was chuckling with Talli, then chastising Drogan for tossing a barrel into a flame.
Hope. Truer, more painful hope held fast to these individuals.
And I was the figure they selected to bear it.
A scout rushed into the side tunnel, breathing hard.
Everyone faced her.
"We found it!" he shouted, eyes wide.
"Found what?"
The scout looks straight at Rhaizen.
"The real reason the Peace Council fears you…"