Their eyes locked, Ashton and Rhodes
Without a word, Rhodes vanished from view and struck in a blur. But before the blade could land, flames erupted in Ashton's hand, forming a sword of pure fire. Steel clashed with flame, the shockwave rippling through the air.
Rhodes smirked. "Still quick on your feet... just like the old days."
Ashton's eyes narrowed. "I may no longer carry the Holy Blade of Fire, but I haven't lost my edge. For you, this much is enough."
Rhodes backed off slightly, the tension loosening from his shoulders. "Haha. You really think that?"
Ashton's voice hardened. "Why the disguise? Why lead bandits to attack that village?"
Rhodes didn't hesitate. "For you."
"What?"
"I knew you were nearby. You've always had that bleeding heart. I stirred up enough chaos knowing you'd come to save the innocent."
Ashton's blade flared. "Why go through all this to find me?"
Rhodes' grin deepened. "Why? To invite you."
Without warning, Ashton lunged. Rhodes met his blow head-on, lightning and flame erupting from their blades.
Ashton growled, "You want me to join the Cult of Vrag?"
Rhodes parried with ease. "It's not like you've sided with Aranthor. Why not come with us?"
He paused, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Besides… Zen is back."
Ashton froze. His expression shifted, shock, disbelief. "You expect me to believe that lie? Don't throw around that name."
"You know what we were doing beneath the ruins," Rhodes said, his voice low. "You had your doubts back then. But soon… the world will remember the name that made even nations tremble 'the Cult of Vrag' will rise again."
Ashton extinguished his flame blade and took a step forward, eyes locked onto Rhodes'. "If there's any truth to what you're saying… then I'll see it with my own eyes."
Rhodes raised a brow. "Wait, are you serious?"
The two stepped into a glowing summoning circle Rhodes had prepared. But before the spell activated, Nick shouted from behind.
"Wait! You're the Ashton? The traitor who killed the other heroes and disappeared?"
Ashton turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder. "Nick, right? Trust only what you see with your own eyes. And take care of that kid," he said, nodding toward Jace. "He's got the look of someone who's going to change everything."
And with that, the two vanished.
Silence fell… until Nick dropped to his knees beside Jace and poured healing magic into him. Slowly, Jace stirred.
Evelyn's voice trembled. "You're awake. Thank you, human… for protecting me."
Jace smiled weakly. "It's nothing. That's what heroes do."
She blinked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You're strange… but thank you."
Jace sat up. "Call me Jace. That's Nick, and our sneaky friend earlier was Auxen."
"Nice to meet you," Nick added.
Evelyn gave a soft smile. "I'm Evelyn… but you can call me Eve."
"That's a cute name," Jace said.
Eve turned a bit red. "Only my sister calls me that…"
"You'll get used to it," Jace grinned.
Nick and Auxen exchanged knowing looks and chuckled.
Auxen stood, adjusting his cloak. "Well, my job here is done. I'll head to the village and report the mission's success. You three can collect the reward at the guild, I've already set up a teleportation circle."
"Got it. See you around, buddy," Jace said.
"Yeah. We'll meet again soon," Auxen replied before vanishing into the trees.
Eve turned to the boys. "You're heading to the Velmoria Guild, right?"
Jace nodded. "We are."
"Mind if I tag along? I have… some business with the guild."
Jace looked at Nick, who nodded. "Of course. Let's go together."
Eve smiled. "Thank you."
To be continued…