As Luz and his companions pushed forward through the forest, they finally reached the first city under the Light's control—
Taliyas.
It was the closest city to the Dark's territory, making it the most prone to attack. But because of that, it was also one of the most heavily guarded, fortified with thick borders and alert sentries.
An army scout spotted them.
"It's the Light Descendant… and our fellow soldiers!" the scout shouted.
The gates opened immediately. Soldiers rushed out to assist them, offering food, water, and medical help. The tension lifted for a moment.
Luz, despite his exhaustion, stepped forward.
A soldier asked, "Sir Luz! What do you need?"
Luz nodded.
"I need a horse. I have to return to Biringan to check the condition of the main city."
He turned to his comrades.
"Jed, you stay here. Lead this force. Defend Taliyas at all cost. I'll be sending Marcus here after he recovers."
Then he looked at the two younger boys walking beside him.
"You two kids… What are your names? I forgot to ask."
Aris raised a hand.
"I'm Aris. And this chubby guy is Chan."
Luz chuckled.
"Where do you live?"
"Anywhere," Aris replied.
"We hunt bounties—thieves, criminals. We catch them and use the reward to eat. Then we stay in different cities… except the Dark-held ones."
Luz was silent for a second, then asked,
"Do you want to come with us to Biringan?"
Aris's eyes lit up.
"You mean the richest, biggest city in Aetheris?"
Luz nodded.
"Then… sure!"
A soldier approached, saluting again.
"Sir Luz, the horse is ready."
Luz turned to Munfa.
"Let's go."
As they traveled, Luz tried to enjoy the calm, but the two kids wouldn't stop talking.
"Are we there yet?"
"How far is it?"
"Is it true Biringan has floating lanterns at night?"
"Do you have a girlfriend, Luz?"
Luz sighed, slightly amused.
"What do you know about that kind of thing? You're too young to even ask."
Munfa chuckled, riding beside him.
---
Meanwhile – In Biringan
Elena was resting in a small room, her head down on the table beside Marcus, who was still recovering from his injuries. His condition wasn't critical anymore, but he needed time.
Outside, the people of Biringan whispered to one another—
"Is Luz still alive?"
"Did the Light Descendant fall?"
"Will darkness reach us next?"
Faith was beginning to crack. Even Elena, in moments of silence, had begun to lose hope.
---
After a full day of travel, Luz and the group arrived at the massive outer wall of Biringan.
The carriage stopped. Luz stepped down from the kalesa and gently woke up the two kids.
"We're here."
Aris and Chan opened their eyes, groggy—until they looked up.
Their jaws dropped.
Massive white walls stood before them. Tall buildings, glowing crystals lighting the streets, towering trees—it was unlike any place they had ever seen.
"This… this is real?" Chan gasped.
"Follow me," Luz said.
He and Munfa led the way, the boys trailing behind, gawking at everything.
As they passed through the gates, the streets grew alive.
Gasps filled the air.
"It's Luz!"
"The Light Descendant is back!"
"He survived!"
A wave of hope surged through the people.
Luz ignored the cheers and headed straight to the healing site.
Inside, Elena was still beside Marcus. She stirred awake, eyes barely open—until she saw Luz.
Without a word, she ran to him and wrapped him in a hug, holding the back of his head.
"You reckless fool… Why would you follow them alone?" she whispered.
Behind them, Aris and Chan exchanged looks.
Luz gently pulled back.
"How's Marcus?"
Elena wiped her eyes and smiled faintly.
"He's going to be okay."
"Good. I left Jed in Taliyas to lead the army there."
Elena nodded, but her expression darkened.
"And… Kael?"
Everyone fell silent.
Munfa lowered his gaze.
Aris stepped forward, speaking softly.
"He's gone."
Luz nodded.
"There's no more interference now. We can finally focus on our real enemy."
---
Somewhere Near Taliyas…
In a broken village near the city, smoke gently rose from a hut hidden in the hills. Inside, an old woman sang a soft lullaby beside a bed.
A man stirred beneath the covers, bandaged from head to toe.
His eyes opened.
"You're awake," the old woman said, smiling faintly.
"I thought you'd die… just like your family."
The man flinched.
"…H-How do you know about that?"
She said nothing.
Just continued singing.
The man was Kael.
He was alive.