Fight For Freedom Begins

As Moxy soared through the skies, Vael, Elrik, and Lyria clung to her back, each lost in their thoughts. The silence stretched between them, a quiet reflection of the turmoil they had just escaped. It was Lyria who finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern. "Vael, what happened after you went through that door?"

Vael hesitated, contemplating how much to reveal. He decided honesty was the best course, though he still felt it prudent to keep his transmigration a secret. Taking a deep breath, he began, "It turns out the prophecy might have been true. Inside that place, I met someone incredible – the first king of the Elysians. That was his long-lost tomb."

He had been gazing into the distance as he spoke, but when he finally turned to look at Lyria and Elrik, their expressions stopped him short. Their mouths were agape, eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and awe.

Vael smiled at their reactions and continued his story. "He gave me something known as a Prisma Stone. It's what allows me to use the Prisma element."

Lyria, interrupting, said, "I've heard about the Prisma element. There were rumors that it was once wielded by our people, the Elysians. It's said that it can mimic any other element."

Elrik, his eyes lighting up with excitement, stood up and playfully mimicked shooting fire from his hands. "That's so cool! I've always wanted to control fire!" he exclaimed, lost in his imagination.

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted as Moxy began to rapidly descend. "Vael, I'm losing my transformed form. I need to rest. We'll have to land in this forest," Moxy said, her voice strained.

Elrik, astonished, yelled, "Is the dragon talking?" But Vael, focused on the situation, replied calmly, "That's fine, Moxy. You did great."

As they landed softly in the seclusion of the forest, the group succumbed to their exhaustion, collapsing onto the ground. Elrik was the first to drift off to sleep, his loud snores a clear indication of his deep slumber. Moxy, too, found comfort on Vael's chest, quickly falling asleep.

However, Vael and Lyria remained awake, the weight of their situation keeping them alert. Lyria turned to Vael, concern in her eyes. "How come you're not resting?" she asked softly.

Vael gazed into the night sky, his thoughts heavy. "I have to find a way to end all this, to eliminate the Sable Serpents. The First King gave me some of his strength, but it will only last for four more hours. After that, I'm not sure I'll be strong enough to face Lord Zephyrian."

Lyria sat quietly, pondering Vael's words. The silence stretched between them, filled only by the gentle sounds of the forest and Elrik's snores.

Suddenly, Lyria bolted upright, an idea sparking in her eyes. "Wait, I've got it," she exclaimed. "What if we could arrange for you to face Lord Zephyrian alone? Do you think you could beat him then?"

"I'm not sure," Vael replied, his voice laced with uncertainty yet underscored by determination. "But I have no choice. It must be done to free the Elysian people." His fist clenched tightly, symbolizing his resolve.

Meanwhile, in Duskmire, Lord Zephyrian was in the midst of a furious rampage, his anger leaving a trail of destruction in the room. "That insufferable brat ruined everything I had planned. And how was he using the acid element? That should be impossible without your mark," he growled, addressing a dark figure shrouded in the room's shadows.

The mysterious figure stood, its presence commanding yet mysterious. "Ensure you handle things here, or I'll find a replacement," the figure warned with an icy tone. "We cannot allow the Elysian people to regain any semblance of power." With those final words, the figure vanished as abruptly as it appeared.

"Replace me?" Lord Zephyrian muttered to himself, his anger morphing into a sinister chuckle. "Trust me, I'll take care of them alright."

After their discussion, Vael and Lyria managed to catch a brief period of rest. Their slumber was broken by the sound of Elrik's loud yawn as he awoke feeling refreshed. "Ahhh, I feel great," he declared.

Vael, however, was quick to rise, urgency in his voice. "We have to go now," he insisted.

"Why are we in such a rush?" Elrik asked, perplexed.

"We'll fill you in on the details as we walk," Lyria interjected, as they began to move.

"But where are we going?" Elrik inquired, trailing behind them.

"Back to Duskmire," Vael responded tersely.

Elrik's confusion turned to alarm. "Why would we go back there?" he exclaimed. "We just nearly died! Did you all forget that?"

Vael and Lyria exchanged a look but remained silent, continuing their determined march towards their destination. As they neared the gates of Duskmire, they noticed the heightened security. Sable Serpent guards were stationed in greater numbers, vigilantly watching for any signs of their return.

Unbeknownst to the guards, the trio had a secret passage, a hidden route that would allow them to re-enter the city undetected.