The city of Solastera, known as the "Pearl of the Sun", was a jewel in the lands of Riteun. Its cobblestone streets shone in the light of dawn, and the golden temples shone like beacons for the faithful who came from every corner to pray to the god of life. The aroma of fresh flowers permeated the air, and the sound of songs echoed through the temples.
It was a city that, under the protection of Riteun, there would be nothing in the world that could shake them. Even closer to festive days as those that were to come.
That is... until something unusual was sighted.
On the city wall, the guards looked to the horizon, where a strange darkness spread like a stain in the golden landscape. The region ruled by the god of life was sandy, and sandstorms were common to occur, yet that darkness was different. It was alive, pulsating, and seemed to approach too fast.
"Warning!" shouted one of the guards, pulling his trumpet and sounding a grave warning.
The warning resonated, leaving the soldiers and knights of Riteun alert, responding to the warning in a rehearsed manner. Immediately the gates began to close, as soldiers ran to their positions. The citizens, who minutes before walked through the streets with their routines, now ran to shelter, screams echoing as chaos began to set in by unknown danger.
On the other side of the plain, an army emerged from darkness. Grotesque creatures, deformed and covered by dense shadows, advanced with heavy steps. In the center of that army, a tall and imposing figure mounted on a black horse watched the city with a frightening calm.
He wore a black armor adorned with red pulsating runes. A metal mask covered his face, revealing only his bright golden eyes, which seemed to burn like burning embers. He raised a hand, and the army stopped abruptly, waiting for his command.
"The light of this city shines strong," he muttered, his low and authoritative voice "Let's extinguish it."
He descended from his mount, landing on the ground with a lightness that contrasted with his overwhelming presence. With a slow gesture, he raised his hand again, and the shadows around him began to wriggle.
"Move forward."
The army roared in response, like a single hungry entity, and ran towards the walls. The strength of that army was overwhelming, motivated by the chaos they intended to spread. Grotesque creatures of all sizes collided with the city's defenses, climbing the walls of the wall with their sharp claws and knocking down the barricade with brutal force. The shadows that accompanied the army spread like living tentacles, enveloping the nearest houses and suffocating any light that dared shine.
The soldiers continued to act ordinarily following their own strategy. Although they managed to stop some monsters, it was impossible to face the massive amount that suddenly appeared as a wave.
"Protect the citizens!" cried a captain.
The teams were assembled and spread into the city, leaving the first line of defense with the strongest soldiers. The cry of the innocent seemed to strengthen the desire of the invaders, who also acted under a strategy. While some monsters dealt with the first line of defense of Riteun's soldiers, other creatures take advantage of breaches to invade the city.
Chaos quickly set in. The citizens ran through the streets, seeking shelter while the creatures moved on without mercy. The screams of despair echoed through the alleys, mixing with the sound of steel crashing and collapsing structures. The shops were invaded, and the smell of smoke began to spread, while small fires arose in the most vulnerable areas.
"For Riteun..." murmured a soldier facing discredited destruction "... May the gods have mercy on us."
Inside the main temple of Solastera, a group of priests gathered around a statue of Riteun, mumbling prayers as sunlight entered through the stained glass windows. The high priestess, a middle-aged woman named Marsa, raised her hands to heaven, trying to keep calm among those present.
"The god of life will not abandon us! Pray fervently, and the light of Riteun will protect us!"
But even as the prayers echoed, the sound of screams and steel approached. To make matters worse, no sign that anyone would come to save them.
"Priestess Marsa!" a young soldier came running in, blood streaming from a cut on his forehead "They are inside the walls! We need to evacuate the citizens!"
Marsa hesitated, looking at the statue as if seeking guidance. Finally, she nodded.
"Do what you can to protect our people, bring them into the temple, and hide them in our fort. May the light guide us."
The creatures of chaos tore through the city's defenses with ease, climbing up walls and knocking down gates with brutal force. The commander of that army walked calmly through the chaos, his presence was enough to ward off any resistance that approached.
He stopped in front of a small square where a group of soldiers were gathered, trying to protect a group of children and elderly. One of the soldiers, a robust man with a golden spear, stepped forward.
"From here you will not pass, demon!"
The commander tilted his head, as if evaluating the soldier.
"Admirable... but foolish."
Before the soldier could react, the commander raised his hand and a wave of black energy exploded in his direction. The soldiers were thrown like leaves in the wind, and the sound of steel breaking echoed with force.
The commander walked to the center of the square, where a child was crying, protected by the motionless body of a woman. He stopped, looking at the child for a few seconds before turning around and continuing his walk.
"Destroy the city, but leave the temple untouched" he ordered a creature next to him "I want Riteun to see his light go out while his symbol remains empty."
Turning to go to the temple, where he intended to stay and watch his little spectacle, the commander stopped his steps and raised his head. Over his shoulder, he quietly faced the dry hills that surrounded the city. The wind carried smoke and screams, but also something more.
He felt a presence. A presence that he knew very well. The commander marched back toward the temple.
"It looks like help is coming."
---
From the top of a hill, Cale and the others watched the chaotic scene. The smoke rose in black spirals, and the screams echoed as far as they were. The scenery was completely scary, something that surprised Cale.
"This is the work of Guyel" Yvaine whispered, her eyes fixed on destruction.
"So we are in the wrong place and at the wrong time" Aries muttered, squeezing the hilt of his sword.
Mikhal bowed his head, evaluating the scene with a smile.
"It seems that the party started without us."
Cale watched silently, the first time he saw something like that happen. Considering that he had always been the target of such problems, it was fascinating to watch from outside. Noticing his silence, Mikhal slightly nudged him.
"Do you intend to ignore this? Do you have any desire to help them?"
"This is not our problem" replied Cale without taking his eyes off the landscape "Our goal is to pass by here and move on."
"Will you let these people die when you have the two strongest Theiodesmos?"
Cale turned to Mikhal, there was a cold shadow shaped by the chains of his curse.
"Aren't they devoted to Keonna? Beg for them then."
Yvaine put her hand on the shoulder of her master, interrupting the discussion.
"He's right, Mikhal. We can't save everyone, but maybe we can help enough to give these people a chance."
Silence fell on the group as they all looked at the burning city. Cale did not intend to save anyone, since he was also not saved when needed. Only that the cries of people, and the image of soldiers being killed while trying to save humanity moved him deeply.
Because he remembered himself in the World of Chaos.
"How annoying" Cale muttered.
It was risky to get involved, besides that Cale did not like the destruction of a small town like that. Should not help to destroy, since his goal is to take revenge on the gods? Looking at the horizon, Cale saw no sign of divine intervention. It was expected.
He wanted to be mistaken about the gods. But even in that horizon that was taken by smoke and screams of dread... there was no hope.
Finally, what seemed an eternity, Cale released a resigned sigh.
"Okay, let's play heroes. But we'll just chase these creatures away, and test my ability. Don't waste your time helping these devotees of Keonna."
"You do nothing" Aries pulled his arm, making Cale hide behind him "Since the two want to save lives and play the heroes, go ahead. But the boy stays."
"Well, you continue to be sharply possessive, Aries" Mikhal provoked with a half smile. Winning a growl of the guardian, he raised his hands in surrender "Calm, calm... I don't mind helping people, and considering your master's strength state, it is wiser for him to avoid the battlefield."
"Then why did you keep teasing him?"
Mikhal continued to smile, only this time there was a hint of mystery and malice. Especially in his tone of voice, which angered Aries even more.
"Just to test your determination. Yvaine will accompany me?"
The goddess looked at Cale, who only agreed silently. Then she sighed and put on her cape as she followed the same path as Mikhal, to go to the entrance of the city.
Cale could even feel sorry for the screams, having their echoes being able to be heard even from afar. However, he his grudge was deeper. He was a failure, and would behave as one. Crossing his arms, Cale sat on a large rock and watched that pandemonium, with Aries at his side protecting him.
"I thought you were trying to go against my request" Aries muttered.
"Consider it a treat, little dragon. But I thought you were just making up an excuse for us to be alone."
"Would I need that? If I want to be alone with you, I just need to drag it somewhere."
Surprised, Cale looked at him.
"Wow, you are more perverted than I thought."
"Stop talking nonsense, I will not let be provoked by you in such an hour" he replied, turning his eyes.
Cale arched his eyebrow and opened a smile. What a lovely little dragon, it was so easy to tease him and make his pointed ears turn red...
"You're right. I'll save my taunts for when you really drag me to some corner. Until then... Let's just watch this horrendous spectacle of the gods."
He could feel the weight of Aries' gaze upon himself, perhaps judging him. However, the demigod needed to be wise in his ways. Despite all his grudge, he was a fugitive who needed to stay hidden.