As the sun slowly rose in the sky, the Grand Party and the Rising Heroes continued their journey. They rode their horses steadily, making their way across the rugged paths that led to the place , where the Dungeon of Varnex awaited them. The morning air was cold, and mist rolled gently across the hills, giving everything a mysterious and quiet feel. After several hours of riding, they finally reached near the entrance of the dungeon.
They stopped a short distance away to set up a small camp. Even though they were close to the dungeon, they knew better than to rush in unprepared. Everyone got down from their horses and started checking their gear, sharpening weapons, and discussing strategies. Some began focusing their energy, while others sat silently to calm their minds.
As they prepared, a sudden presence made everyone pause.
Five figures, all wearing long black cloaks, stepped silently into the camp. Their steps were calm, but heavy with confidence. The air around them shifted slightly. Cyrus looked toward them with a smile and said, "Oh, so you've come."
The cloaked figures came to a stop near the campfire. One by one, they pulled back the hoods of their cloaks, revealing their faces.
Junith stepped forward and spoke in a respectful tone. "We're looking forward to working with you. Let me introduce the Rising Heroes." Before she could say more, the man at the front of the cloaked group chuckled lightly and held up his hand.
"Please, Junith," he said, his voice smooth and calm but with an odd edge to it. "You don't need to be so formal with us. We're buddies, aren't we? After all, both of us are S-Rank." He smiled , not a forced smile, but one that somehow made people uncomfortable, like he knew something they didn't. He continued, raising his hand in a small wave.
"Well then," he said, "let me introduce my team as well. We are the Black Sigil."
He tapped the hilt of the long katana on his waist and said, "I am Kael Veyron, leader of the Black Sigil. Some people like to call me the Smiling Flame. This here," he motioned to the blade, "is my partner in battle , Oblivion Fang. I use the Blackfire element, a little something made from both fire and shadow." His eyes scanned the group with calm sharpness. He didn't seem aggressive or loud, yet something about him kept everyone alert. His presence felt both curious and dangerous, like a flame flickering in the dark, waiting to burn.
Standing quietly beside Kael was a woman with pale skin and long silver-blue hair tied in a loose braid. She wore light, layered clothes with frost patterns on them and carried a beautiful bow made of icy blue wood. Kael gestured to her. "This here is Vaela Rimeheart, also called the Frozen Gale. She's our archer, and that bow of hers is named Winter Grief. Don't expect her to talk much, she prefers silence." Vaela said nothing. Her eyes drifted over the group lazily, as if this whole thing was a boring errand. She gave a small nod, then looked away.
Kael turned slightly and pointed at a man who stood with one foot on a rock, spinning a small colorful ball in his fingers. "And this," Kael said with a faint chuckle, "is Zerik Quinlo, also known as the Trickster. He doesn't use elements, but don't let that fool you. He's very good at enhancing objects and throwing surprises." Zerik placed the ball in his pocket with a wink and clapped his hands dramatically. "That's a harsh introduction, Kael!" he said with a big grin. "You'll give them the wrong impression. I'm very polite… when I want to be." He gave an exaggerated bow to the Rising Heroes, then pulled a deck of glowing cards from his sleeve and began shuffling them with one hand.
Next, Kael motioned to young man with wild brown hair and calm eyes. He wore simple clothes and had no visible weapons. "This is Ruvan Gol," Kael said. "He fights with his fists. No elements, just raw strength enhanced with magic." Ruvan gave a small nod. His voice was low but steady as he said, "Pleasure to meet you all." He stood calmly, his eyes focused and alert like a wild beast watching the forest.
Kael then gestured to the last member, a cheerful girl with long blonde hair tied . "And this bright soul is Nira Faelwyn, our Wild Wanderer," Kael said with a smile. "She uses nature magic and that dagger of hers, Whisperleaf. Be patient with her , she's a bit... free-spirited." Nira stepped forward with a bright smile. "Looking forward to exploring this dungeon!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her voice was full of joy, as if they were going on a picnic instead of into a deadly dungeon.
Just as Kael finished, a soft hissing sound came from his cloak. Then, from his sleeve, a sleek black serpent slid out and coiled around his arm. The serpent lifted its head and, to everyone's surprise, spoke in a smooth, sharp voice. "Nice to meet you, kids."
A few of the Rising Heroes stepped back in shock.
The snake smirked and continued, "I'll do my own introduction. I am Nymera. Please look forward to fighting alongside me. And also, I have the Eye of Perception. So do beware." She gave a small, teasing smile, her eyes glowing faintly.
Kael chuckled. "Ah, yes. She's my pet snake. She likes to tease people, don't take her too seriously." Nymera's eyes narrowed slightly at him, but she said nothing more.
Then Kael's voice became more serious. His smile remained, but the tone had shifted.
"Well then," he said, "if introductions are over, and the preparations are complete...Let's do what we're here for."
The three teams, the Grand Party, the Rising Heroes, and the Black Sigil, now stood united before the entrance of the Dungeon of Varnex. The mist that rolled from within seemed to welcome them, whispering challenges and dangers.
With quiet nods to one another, they began to step forward, toward the darkness, toward the storm, and into the heart of the dungeon that would test them all.