ZENCADE

Two brothers, Kairos and Elior, were born on Axion, a quiet island tucked within the mystical continent of Nythara, just three months after their father’s passing. Their early years unfolded in the embrace of their homeland, where they grew together until the age of five.

Kairos, the elder, carried a calm spirit—gentle, soft-spoken, and endlessly drawn to the world of books. In contrast, Elior radiated boundless energy, a loving heart, and a dreamer’s spark that often set him chasing wonders only he could see.

When the time came for learning beyond the home, their mother took them to school for the very first time—placing them side by side in the same classroom. The first day had been all introductions—new faces, new routines, the quiet awkwardness of beginnings. After school, their mother walked them to a small playground tucked between rows of old trees, a place neither of them had seen before. Kairos settled onto a sun-warmed bench, already lost in the pages of a book, while Elior darted off with restless curiosity, exploring the slides and climbing bars. For a while, only the rustle of pages and the distant squeak of swings filled the air. Then Elior came bounding back, cheeks flushed, tugging at Kairos’s sleeve.

“Guess what”, he said, eyes bright with some secret discovery.

Kairos: “uninterested” What…?

Elior: I made some friends!! “Looking proud”

Kairos: Good for you.

Elior made six friends; Mira, Nira, Aria, Leo, Nico & Jace

Elior: What are you reading? “Asks Kairos” 

Kairos: A book, its abou- 

Elior snatches the book and goes to a nearby ride and hangs on to it upside down and starts reading the book, it’s written…

A few centuries ago, the heavens stirred in a way unseen before. Three mighty stars—Sirius, Altair, and Rigel—aligned perfectly with the blazing Sun, their combined radiance pouring down upon Earth. From that alignment burst a torrent of cosmic energy, a storm of radiation so fierce it shook the very bones of the planet.

Where the celestial fire struck, the land itself shattered. In the wake of the explosion, seven new islands rose from the sea—fragments of earth born from destruction. Together, they came to be known as Zencade, a name that would echo through history.

But Zencade was no ordinary land. Those who dwelled upon its shores found themselves forever changed, touched by the lingering power of the stars. Each soul awakened to a gift—the command of elements. Fire, water, air, earth, and beyond: the islands had become a cradle of powers both wondrous and strange.

To this day, Zencade is more than a continent—it is a living legacy of the stars’ fury, and the people who call it home carry within them the echoes of that ancient alignment

Chapter 1: The Ritual

After reading this, Elior got interested and started dreaming about going to Zencade.

“Kairos! Can we go to Zencade!?” Elior asked, bouncing with excitement.

Kairos sighed, folding his arms.
“Elior… no, we can’t. It’s too far. And not everything written in those books is true.”

Elior’s smile faded for a moment, but then his face lit up with mischief.
“Wait—I have an idea! Come on, hurry!” he said, tugging at Kairos and the new friends he had made.

Kairos shook his head, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
“Fine… if it makes you happy.”

Elior knelt on the soft earth, using a stick to draw a strange pattern—a circle laced with lines that seemed to twist into shapes no one quite understood. “Everyone, hold hands,” he ordered. “Now we chant!”

The children exchanged puzzled looks.
“Chant what?” Mira asked, half-giggling.
“Anything!” Elior insisted. “It doesn’t matter!”

So, they chanted—nonsense words tumbling out in uneven voices. The circle closed, their voices rose… and then—nothing. Just silence.

From a bench nearby, their mothers watched with uneasy smiles.
“Our kids are… strange,” one whispered nervously.

Elior dropped his hands, a heavy sigh escaping.
“Nothing happened…” he muttered, eyes fixed on the lifeless pattern in the dirt.

Their mother clapped her hands softly.
“Alright, boys. That’s enough for today. Time to go home.” She took Kairos and Elior by the arms, guiding them away as Mira waved goodbye.

The children’s laughter and voices faded down the path, leaving the clearing silent once more.

The circle they had drawn lay still beneath the fading light—until, for the briefest of moments, its lines shimmered faintly, pulsing with a glow unseen by any of them.

Nothing happened… or so they thought

Chapter 2: First Day of School

The schoolhouse smelled like chalk, wooden desks, and a little too much glue. (Don’t ask. Some kid probably ate it.)

Elior skipped into class like he owned the place. His eyes widened, and then—
“MIRA! NIRA! ARIA! LEO! NICO! JACE!” he shouted, waving both arms almost smacking Kairos on the face

The teacher froze, chalk midair. “…Is this… attendance?”

Elior grinned. “Nope. Those are my best friends forever.”

(Narrator’s Note: Yes, Elior just declared six BFFs on Day One.)

Mira waved back so hard her braid whipped Aria in the face. Nira gave the tiniest little smile, clearly the “calm one” in the group. Aria, meanwhile, leaned back in her chair with the confidence of a seven-year-old who already knew she was trouble.

Leo raised his hand, then immediately panicked because—oops—now people were looking at him. Nico? Nico was drawing something on his desk. Was that a dragon… or a potato with wings? Hard to tell. And Jace? Jace leaned so far back in his chair. Kairos groaned. “Elior, it’s the first day of first grade. Could you try not to turn it into a circus?”

BANG! The teacher slammed her chalk on the desk.
“Quiet! All of you! We’re going to start our reading lesson.”

The class went silent for a full… three seconds and then it became chaotic again. The kids are playing while the teacher is regretting her life decisions.

Chapter 3: Break Time

The school bell rang, and the classroom erupted like someone had shouted “FREE COOKIES.” Kids rushed outside, some to the swings, some to chase each other, and one kid who just started eating grass. (We don’t talk about him).

Elior darted off with Mira, Nira, Aria, Leo, Nico, and Jace, already plotting some sort of game that definitely looked suspiciously like tag but with bonus yelling

Kairos did the most Kairos thing possible: sat on a bench with a book.

But then… enter stage left: three older kids. Classic bullies. Like they got teleported in from the “starter kit for school dramas.”

“Hey, bookworm!” one of them sneered, eyeing Kairos.
“Whatcha reading? Baby stories?” another laughed.

Kairos sighed. He wasn’t scared, just annoyed. “Can you not? I’m trying to read.”

The bullies snickered. Bad move.

Because Elior had spotted them.

He came running, cape of dust behind him (okay fine, it was just dirt from the playground, but let’s give the boy some drama).

Elior puffed out his chest. “No one can bully with my brother… except me”

Kairos: “Wait, that’s not—”
Elior: “Shhh, don’t ruin my heroic entrance.”

Elior: “Now face the wrath of me and my army!!”

The bullies smirked. “Oh yeah? You and what army?”

Elior spun around. “This one!”

Mira hopped forward first. “Yeah! Mess with Elior’s brother, and you mess with us! And trust me, I bite.”
(Narrator’s Note: No one doubted that. She definitely bites.)

Nira crossed her arms, cool and composed. “Statistically speaking, this is a bad idea for you. Six versus three. Basic math.”

Aria cracked her knuckles like a tiny action hero. “I dare you to try something. I’ve been waiting for recess drama.”

Leo nervously raised his hand. “Um, can we not fight? Maybe we can just… play tag instead?”
(Author’s Note: Leo is the peacemaker. Every group has one. He’s ours.)

Nico whipped out his pencil like a sword. “Back off, or I’ll draw you into something really embarrassing. Like… a giant chicken costume!”

The bullies blinked. “What?”

Jace leaned against a tree, smirking. “Yeah, what they said. Also, I don’t fight before snack time.”

(Narrator’s Note: He definitely just didn’t feel like moving. But hey, the pose was cool.)

The bullies shuffled awkwardly. Three versus seven didn’t seem like great odds, especially against this much unhinged confidence.
“Whatever,” the tallest one muttered. “Not worth it.” And just like that, they retreated.

Elior turned to Kairos, smug.
“See? Saved you.”

Kairos sighed, snapping his book shut. “Saved me while embarrassing me in public. Thanks, I guess.”

Elior grinned. “Exactly. That’s called brotherhood.”

(Narrator’s Note: And that’s when the bullies realized they weren’t just facing one kid—they were facing an entire sitcom cast.)

Chapter 4: Back to Class

“Just so everyone remembers,” Elior announced as they walked back into class, “I saved Kairos at recess. Hero of the day. Please clap.”

Kairos groaned. “You didn’t save me. You embarrassed me in front of half the school.”

Elior grinned. “Exactly. That’s called multitasking.”

The teacher pinched the bridge of her nose. And class hadn’t even started yet.

She tried to begin the lesson. “Alright children, today we’ll be learning how to—”

“Psst.” Mira poked Elior. “Do heroes get lunch upgrades? Like extra cookies?”
“Obviously,” Elior whispered back.

Nira sighed. “Cookies aren’t a currency.”
“Yes they are,” Aria cut in. “I’d trade three math problems for one cookie right now.”

“Same,” Nico added, doodling a cookie with wings in his notebook.
Leo leaned closer. “Uh… are we supposed to be… listening?”
Jace stretched back in his chair. “Nah. School’s optional if you’re cool.”

(Narrator’s Note: It is absolutely not optional. Don’t try this at home.)

The teacher slammed her book down. BANG!
“QUIET! We are going to practice reading now!”

The class actually hushed. For about five seconds.

Then Mira whispered, “Bet Elior can’t read faster than me.”
“Challenge accepted!” Elior shouted immediately.

“Not everything is a competition,” Kairos muttered.
“Everything is a competition,” Elior replied.

And just like that, the classroom dissolved into chatter again: Mira racing Elior, Aria pretending to read dramatically like a stage actor, Nico holding up his cookie drawing as “study material,” Leo politely trying to follow the rules, Nira calculating how many rules were currently being broken (answer: all of them), and Jace balancing a pencil on his lip like it was the most important skill in the world.

The teacher buried her face in her hands.

(Narrator’s Note: She started this job with hope. Now she was just holding on for summer break.)

Chapter 5: The Walk Home & The Stranger

After school, the kids poured out of the classroom like freed prisoners. Elior marched at the front of the group, waving his arms like he was leading a parade.

Mira: “Why are you walking like that?”
Elior: “Heroes walk with confidence.”
Nira: “You tripped twice already.”
Aria: laughing “More like ‘heroes fall with confidence.’”
Nico: “Hold up—I’m sketching Elior falling.”
Leo: “Uh… should we wait for Kairos? He’s still inside.”
Jace: shrugging “He’ll catch up. Chill.”

(Narrator’s Note: Spoiler — he would catch up… just not in the way anyone expected.)

The kids joked and argued all the way home, filling the streets with laughter, and for a few days, life stayed like that. Silly. Loud. Normal.

But then came that day.

A Few Days Later

Kairos was outside, enjoying the quiet of an evening walk. Book in hand. Peaceful. (Which, as we all know, is illegal in this story.)

A shadow stretched across the dirt road. Kairos looked up. A man stood there—his face twisted and unsettling, eyes gleaming in a way that made Kairos’s stomach turn.

“Come with me,” the man said, voice low.

Kairos clutched his book tighter. “…No.”

The man tilted his head. “Why not?”

Kairos swallowed hard. “Because… you’re bad.”

The man blinked, then yelled.
“Black!? But you’re black too!!”

Kairos froze, confused. “…What?”

Suddenly, Elior came charging in from nowhere, tackling the man straight in the side.
“He said BAD, you weirdo, not BLACK! Are you deaf or something!?”

The man shoved Elior away like swatting a fly. Elior skidded back, but popped up again and charged.
And got shoved again.
And popped up again.
And shoved again.

(Narrator’s Note: Honestly, it was like watching a very determined mosquito.)

The man snarled, losing patience. But before he could act again, three more figures stepped out of the shadows.

“Enough,” one snapped. “You’re useless. The boss is waiting.”

Another waved his hand—strange, shimmering magic burst out, striking Elior. His body went limp, collapsing to the ground.

“Elior!” Kairos shouted, lunging forward. But before he could reach his brother, a second man muttered an incantation, and a wave of dark energy washed over him.

Kairos gasped—suddenly, he felt hollow, like something was being erased. Somewhere far away, Mira would forget his laugh. Nira would lose his face in her memory. Aria, Leo, Nico, Jace even Elior, every memory of Kairos flickered out like candlelight.

“Take the boy,” the third man ordered. He slashed the air with his hand, tearing reality open into a swirling black portal.

Kairos tried to resist, but two strong arms grabbed him, dragging him forward. His book slipped from his fingers, pages fluttering uselessly on the ground.

And with that, the portal swallowed him whole.

The night was silent again. Elior lay unconscious, the book resting beside him, the dirt road empty where Kairos once stood.

(Narrator’s Note: Yeah… things just got real.)

Chapter 6: Forgotten & Awakened

Elior groaned awake on the dirt road, his head throbbing.
“Ugh… my brain feels like mashed potatoes.”

He pushed himself up, blinking. Why was he lying out here? Why did it feel like he’d lost something—no, someone?

He shook his head. Nothing came to mind. Just a strange emptiness he couldn’t put into words.

Stumbling home, Elior burst through the door.
“Mom! I think I… uh… passed out or something.”

His mom rushed over, hugging him. “Elior! What on earth were you doing out there?”

He shrugged. “Dunno. Just… tired, I guess?”

She frowned, brushing dirt off his shirt. “You really need to be more careful.”

Later, Elior wandered into his room. Two beds sat side by side.
He tilted his head. “…Huh.”

“Why are there two beds in here?” he asked.

His mom leaned in the doorway, blinking at the sight. “…Strange. Must’ve been a deal or something.”

(Narrator’s Note: Imagine forgetting you ever raised two kids. Moms really do just shrug off curses like it’s nothing.)

Elior sat on his bed, staring at the empty one across from him. He didn’t know why, but a hollow ache filled his chest, like something was missing.

But from what? Or… from who?

He didn’t know.

Meanwhile, far away…

Kairos hung suspended in chains, wrists and ankles bound, his body aching. The robed man studied him with cold, clinical eyes.

“We brought you here because we sensed a devil inside you,” the man explained, lifting a gleaming scalpel. “A third-stage devil—nothing too strong for us to handle.”

He leaned close, blade hovering. “But valuable enough to dissect.”

Then—

A deep, inhuman voice growled from Kairos’s mouth.
“Begone.”

The scalpel turned to dust. The entire tray of tools collapsed into ash.

The men froze. A cold, gloomy wind swept the chamber, snuffing out torches. Kairos’s eyes snapped open, glowing blinding white.

With a twitch of his wrists, the chains shattered.

The boss’s face drained of color. “No… YOU MORONS! this isn’t third-stage. This is a Zenith Stage Devil.”

His men panicked, rushing for the door. But Kairos’s voice thundered:
“Kneel.”

Their bodies slammed to the floor, bones crunching under the force. Blood smeared the stone as their knees split open.

The boss screamed. “STOP! Spare me—!”

“Vanish.”

In an instant, every man disintegrated into nothing.

Kairos stepped free from the shadows, the devil’s will coiling inside him, whispering:
Rule. Conquer. Everything belongs to you.

He pushed open the iron doors and emerged—not into Elyndor but in Zencade, in Zen Island; one of the islands in Zencade.

He didn’t care.

Kairos’s lips curled into a cold smile.
“If this world forgot me… then I’ll make sure it remembers my rule.”

And so, chaos began.

(Narrator’s Note: And just like that, little bookworm Kairos unlocked “main villain DLC.” Things are… escalating.)

Chapter 7: Worlds Apart

Ten years flew by faster than Elior could say, “No one can bully my brother except me.” (Which is ironic, considering he doesn’t even remember having a brother.)

Now Elior stood tall at sixteen, messy hair, a confident grin that hadn’t changed one bit. Around him, his friends had grown too. Taller, louder, and just as chaotic as ever.

(Narrator’s Note: Yes, they’re older now, but don’t expect them to suddenly become responsible. This isn’t that kind of story.)

But while Elior and his crew dreamed of adventure, far away in Zencade, Kairos had also turned sixteen. Except he wasn’t daydreaming. He was ruling. He sat upon a throne in Zen Island, his glowing white eyes feared by every soul in the continent. From an erased child… to the sovereign of chaos.

Two brothers. Same age. Worlds apart.

Elior stood with his pack slung over his shoulder, staring at the docks where their ship awaited. His mom hugged him so tight he nearly suffocated.

“Promise me you’ll be safe,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got a whole squad watching my back.” He motioned to his friends behind him — who were currently arguing about snacks.

Mira (still fiery as ever): “We’re bringing spicy chips, right? Non-negotiable.”
Nira (deadpan): “We’re crossing an ocean, not a cafeteria.”
Aria (dramatic): “The sea demands tribute. Snacks are valid.”
Leo (softer, but more confident now): “Maybe we should, uh, focus on not sinking first?”
Nico (goofball, doodling on his suitcase): “I already drew us riding a sea dragon. It’s destiny.”
Jace (still smug): “Yeah, well, if Elior falls overboard, I’m not saving him. Rivals don’t babysit.”

Elior smirked. “Rival? Since when?”
Jace shrugged. “Since always. You just didn’t notice.”

(Narrator’s Note: Teen drama unlocked. Expect extra chaos.)

As they boarded the ship, the salty wind blew in their faces. This wasn’t just a vacation. This was the moment they’d dreamed of for years — to leave Nythara behind and see Zencade with their own eyes.

What they didn’t know was that Zencade wasn’t the land of adventure they imagined… it was the land ruled by a boy they had all forgotten.

Kairos.

“Alright, crew!” Elior yelled dramatically as the sails unfurled. “Next stop, Sylvara Grove!”

Mira cheered, Aria waved dramatically like they were already conquering the world, Nico sketched the ship mid-sail, Leo tried not to throw up from nerves, Nira sighed at all of them, and Jace just leaned against the railing, pretending he wasn’t excited.

Behind them, their families waved goodbye. Ahead of them, the horizon stretched wide and endless.

The adventure had truly begun.

(Narrator’s Note: If this were an anime, this is where the new opening theme would play. Probably with a lot of slow-motion running and way too many sparkles.)

Chapter 8: The Grove of Beginnings

The ship creaked to a stop as Sylvara Grove came into view — a lush, emerald-green island where forests stretched endlessly and the air smelled fresh and wild.

Elior and the crew leaned over the railing, eyes wide.

Mira: “Whoa. It’s like the forest ate the ocean.”
Nira: “Technically, that’s not possible.”
Aria: grinning “Technically, I don’t care. It’s beautiful.”
Nico: already doodling trees “Ten out of ten. Would live here.”
Leo: soft smile “It’s… peaceful.”
Jace: arms crossed “Looks boring. Bet the Wi-Fi here is trash.”

(Narrator’s Note: Spoiler — there is no Wi-Fi. Only horses.)

As they walked inland, they found themselves in a bustling town nestled between towering trees. The sign read: Virendale.

The streets were cobblestone. The houses had thatched roofs and wooden beams. People carried baskets, shouted in markets, and clopped past on horseback.

Elior blinked. “…Wow. This is so… 1900s vibes.”

Mira snorted. “1900? More like 1200.”
Nira: adjusting her glasses she didn’t even need “Medieval, to be exact.”
Aria: pretending to swoon dramatically “Finally! My princess era begins.”
Jace: rolling his eyes “You’d get dethroned in a week.”

They booked a few rooms at a cozy inn, dropping their luggage before running back out to explore.

As they wandered through Virendale’s streets, Elior’s ears caught a group of merchants whispering.

“…Zen Island, you say?”
“Yes. That’s where the Devil Possessed rules. They say his eyes burn white, and no one dares stand against him.”
“An entire continent, under his command…”

Elior froze. “Uh… guys? Did you hear that?”

The crew turned pale. Mira actually stopped chewing her snack mid-bite.
“A devil? Ruling Zencade?”

Nira frowned. “If that’s true, we’re in serious danger.”
Aria: grinning nervously “Sooo, do we get matching hero capes now or later?”
Leo: “M-Maybe we shouldn’t even be here.”
Nico: scribbling furiously “Note to self: do NOT draw devils.”
Jace smirked. “Well, guess our vacation just turned into a boss battle.”

Elior clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
“Then we’ll defeat him. No question. But…”

He looked at his empty hands.
“…How do we even get powers in the first place?”

As if on cue, a local farmer overheard their chatter.
“You lot… you’re foreigners, aren’t you?”

The kids stiffened. “Uh… maybe?” Elior said.

The farmer chuckled. “Don’t worry. If you want to stand a chance in Zencade, you’ll need elemental powers. And there’s only one way to earn them…”

“…The Trial.”

Mira leaned in. “Sounds dangerous. I’m in.”
Leo gulped. “Dangerous…?”
Nira muttered, “Finally, something logical about this world.”
Aria raised her hand like she was volunteering. “Sign me up!”
Nico sketched the word Trial in big dramatic letters.
Jace smirked. “Good. About time this place got interesting.”

Elior grinned. “Then it’s settled. We’ll take the trial. And we’ll get our powers. And then… Zen Island better watch out.”

(Narrator’s Note: The confidence is strong. The survival chances? Debatable.)

Chapter 9: The Hollow Foreigner

The villagers of Sylvara Grove led the kids into the heart of the forest, where an enormous tree stood — its roots sprawling like rivers, its leaves glowing faintly with a silver-green light.

“This,” the elder said, bowing, “is the Everroot. It tests the heart. To pass, you must face what you fear most — and overcome it with the thought of what brings you peace. Do this, and you will be gifted your element.”

Elior squinted. “…So basically, magical therapy tree?”
Mira elbowed him. “Shut up. Respect the tree.”

(Narrator’s Note: This is a very serious tree, people. Do not disrespect.)

Mira went first. The Everroot showed her vision of a raging ocean, waves crashing high above her, threatening to drag her under. She gasped, panicked—until she remembered Elior’s grin, his silly optimism, the way he made her feel safe even when everything seemed impossible. The waves calmed, then bent gently around her. When she opened her eyes, water flowed from her hands, glimmering. Water.

Leo shuffled forward nervously. His vision showed the ground splitting beneath him, endless pits threatening to swallow him whole, voices whispering he was too weak to stand. Tears stung his eyes—until he remembered his friends’ support, their voices pulling him back up. The ground steadied, and when he opened his eyes, earth shifted beneath his feet. Earth.

Nira stepped forward. A storm howled, winds so violent they pulled her from the ground, carrying her into endless sky. Panic clawed at her chest—until she remembered the calm she felt solving problems with her friends. The winds softened, swirling gently around her. She returned with the gift of Air.

Aria’s turn. She saw herself sinking into the earth, crushed by weight, mocked for her theatrics, forgotten. Her chest hurt—until she remembered the smiles her drama always brought. The earth steadied beneath her. When she opened her eyes, soil shifted at her feet. Earth.

Nico faced emptiness. His sketches burned to dust, his creativity erased. His heart raced—until he remembered the way his friends always admired his doodles. Suddenly, sparks leapt from his hands, crackling with life. Electricity.

Jace smirked as he touched the bark, but his vision showed him always second-best, outshined, left in the shadows. His jaw clenched—until he remembered how Elior’s rivalry pushed him harder. Lightning coiled around his fists when he returned. Electricity.

Finally, Elior stepped forward. He placed his hand on the Everroot.

Darkness engulfed him. Voices hissed: “You don’t belong. You are nothing. Forgotten. Hollow.”

His heart thudded—but he forced himself to think of home. His mother. His friends. Their ridiculous adventures. Slowly, the fear broke apart.

He opened his eyes, smiling. He had passed.

Except… nothing happened.

The Everroot was silent. His hands were empty.

The villagers’ faces shifted to unease.
“No element…?”
“Impossible. How can he pass yet be given nothing?”
“He is… the Hollow Foreigner.”

The title spread like wildfire. Elior’s smile faltered. “Wait—no, no, I passed! Right? Right!?”

But the whispers grew louder, and Elior felt something inside him sink

Far away, inside a throne room of dark stone, Kairos sat with glowing white eyes upon his throne. His guards knelt in silence.

Then came the whisper. Cold. Mocking.
“They are here.”

Kairos’s head tilted slightly. “…Who?”

The voice chuckled in his mind, refusing to answer.

For the first time in years, Kairos felt… unsettled. He didn’t know them. He didn’t remember them. But deep in his chest, something tugged at him, empty and sharp.

Something was coming.

Chapter 10: Training Days

The villagers gathered the crew in the town square of Virendale, the Everroot still glowing faintly behind them. The elder stepped forward, his staff thumping against the cobblestone.

“Young ones,” he said gravely, “to truly challenge the Devil Possessed, you must do more than wield your elements. You must face the Guardians — great beasts that dwell on each island of Zencade. Defeat one, and its heart becomes an Arcane Orb.”

“Sounds shiny,” Nico muttered, already sketching an orb with lightning bolts around it.

The elder ignored him. “Gather all the hearts, and bring them to the city of Nova Eclipse in Zen Island. There lies the ancient ritual site. Legend says a spirit will awaken to grant an element to one who asks… but only once, and only to one person.”

The crew exchanged looks. Then all eyes turned to Elior.

Elior scratched his head nervously. “…What? Why are you looking at me like I’m the main character? Oh wait—”

(Narrator’s Note: Yes, Elior. You are literally the main character. Congratulations on noticing.)

Mira frowned softly. “If this is the only way… then we’ll get you that element.”
Elior forced a grin. “…Thanks, Mira.” (Totally not blushing, nope. Moving on.)

The villagers wasted no time. They dragged the kids into a training field at the edge of town. Wooden dummies, stone targets, and more than a few suspicious scorch marks littered the area.

“Each element,” the trainer barked, “has a natural flow. Feel it, don’t fight it.”

Mira (Water): She tried to summon a stream and ended up splashing herself in the face. “Refreshing… but humiliating.”

Nira (Air): She attempted a graceful gust. It turned into a tornado that stole Jace’s shoe. “Precision is important,” she muttered. Jace yelled, “Give it back, weather witch!”

Aria (Fire): “BEHOLD MY FLAMES OF—” whoosh Her sleeves caught on fire. Again. “…uhh. This is fine.”
(Narrator’s Note: It was not fine. It never is.)

Leo (Earth): He tried to lift a small rock. Accidentally created a three-foot boulder. “Oh. Sorry.” The trainer wiped sweat off his brow. “Kid… never apologize for free landscaping.”

Nico (Electricity): “Watch this!” zap He shocked himself. Twice. Then proudly declared, “See? Testing durability!”

Jace (Electricity): He blasted a clean, controlled bolt at the target, splitting it in half. Then smirked at Elior. “Guess some of us were born for this.”

Elior: He stood to the side with no element, clapping awkwardly. “Yay team…?”

The trainer rubbed his temples. “This… will take time.”

Meanwhile, in Zen Island, Kairos lounged upon his throne. His guards trembled at his silent presence. The devil’s voice whispered again:

“They seek the Orbs… they seek power… they seek you.”

Kairos’s eyes narrowed. “Who are they?” His voice echoed like thunder.

The whisper only chuckled.

Kairos clenched his fist. Somewhere deep inside, he felt a strange pull as if the tide of fate had shifted

Chapter 11: The Main Character Effect

The crew had barely finished training for the day when the ground trembled beneath their feet. The sound of shouting and clashing weapons echoed from the edge of Sylvara Grove.

Villagers screamed, pointing toward the flames in the distance.
“Pyraeth Isle is attacking!”

The crew stiffened. Mira’s eyes widened. “They’re already here!?”
Nira frowned. “Statistically speaking, this is terrible timing.”
Nico tilted his head. “…Wait. Why does stuff like this only happen when we’re around?”

The crew paused. Then, in unison, their heads turned to Elior.

Elior raised a hand. “Uh… guys? Don’t look at me like—”
He sighed, grinned, and puffed his chest. “Because the main character—aka me—is here.”

The others blinked. Then, one by one:
“Oh yeah, true.” – Mira
“Understandable.” – Aria
“Checks out.” – Jace
“Actually logical.” – Nira
“Very anime of you.” – Nico
Leo: nodding silently in agreement

(Narrator’s Note: At least they’re self-aware about their plot armor.)

From the treeline, warriors clad in crimson armor burst forth, flames sparking from their weapons. They were Pyraeth raiders — invaders from the volcanic isle, seeking to plunder and prove dominance.

The villagers scattered, but the crew stood firm. Their first true battle had begun.

Mira (Water): She summoned a stream that clashed against the fire, dousing the flames before they reached the homes. “Not today!” she shouted, surprising even herself with her control.

Nira (Air): She whipped up sudden gusts, toppling enemy archers from the trees. “Gravity always wins,” she muttered dryly.

Aria (Fire): “BURN BRIGHT, BABY!” she screamed, blasting a raider’s sword until it glowed red-hot and dropped from his hands.

Leo (Earth): He stomped the ground nervously, but the earth surged up, trapping enemies in stone shackles. “S-sorry! …Wait. That worked?”

Nico (Electricity): Sparks flew wildly as he zapped one raider after another, yelling, “Unlimited power—!” until he accidentally shocked himself. Again.

Jace (Electricity): Calm, controlled bolts struck with precision. He smirked. “Hmph. Guess I’ll carry you guys. As usual.”

Elior, with no element, grabbed a stick and whacked one of the raiders in the shins. “See? Who needs magic when you have tree branch jutsu?”

The others groaned. “You’re unbelievable.”

After a frantic clash, the raiders stumbled back, shocked at the strength of the young crew. Their leader cursed, signaling retreat. The flames faded, villagers cautiously stepping back into the square.

The crew stood panting, bruised, and exhausted—yet smiling. They had won their first real battle.

Mira turned to Elior. “Main character, huh? Guess you weren’t wrong.”
Elior smirked. “Told ya.”

(Narrator’s Note: First win unlocked. Achievement: ‘Not Totally Useless.’

Chapter 12: Into the Dungeon

The morning after the Pyraeth attack, the crew woke up sore, bruised, and smelling faintly of burnt hair.

(Narrator’s Note: Aria insisted it was “battle perfume.” Nobody agreed.)

The villagers gathered in the square, eyes filled with respect. The elder stepped forward, his voice steady:

“Young ones… you have proven yourselves. You are ready to face your first Guardian.”

Elior blinked. “Guardian? Like… capital G, scary monster Guardian?”
The elder nodded solemnly. “Indeed. A beast of immense power, older than our village itself. It dwells in the Sylvara Dungeon. If you can defeat it and claim its Arcane Orb, your path to Nova Eclipse will begin.”

The crew exchanged looks.

Mira squeezed Elior’s arm nervously. “We can do this, right?”
Elior grinned—though maybe too wide. “Of course! I mean, I’ve seen this in literally every adventure story ever. Dungeon crawl, scary boss, victory cutscene. Easy.”
Nira pinched the bridge of her nose. “Your optimism is statistically dangerous.”
Jace smirked. “Let him be. When he trips first, I’ll laugh harder.”

The villagers escorted them to the dungeon entrance, hidden beneath tangled roots at the edge of the forest. A stone arch marked the way, carved with runes glowing faintly green.

Aria gasped dramatically. “Oooh, spooky! I love it.”
Leo tugged his cloak tighter. “…I don’t.”
Nico sketched the entrance. “Dungeon aesthetic: 10/10.”

Elior stepped forward, stick in hand like a sword. “Alright, team! This is it. First official dungeon raid. Cue the epic soundtrack.”

(Narrator’s Note: Unfortunately, the budget did not allow for a live orchestra.)

The villagers bowed. “May the Everroot guide you. Return with the Orb… or not at all.”

Elior paled. “…Wait, what was that last part?”
But before he could argue, Mira pushed him inside. “Too late. You’re the main character. Move.”

The dungeon swallowed them in darkness. Torches flared along the walls as if awakened by their presence. The air grew thick, damp, and heavy with moss. Strange echoes rattled through the tunnels.

Aria whispered, “This is soooo haunted. I’m thrilled.”
Leo whispered back, “I want to go home.”
Jace muttered, “Both of you, shut up before we become haunted.”

They pressed deeper, nerves and excitement buzzing like static. For the first time, it wasn’t just training, or raiders, or random chaos. This was the real thing.

Ahead, the ground rumbled. A distant roar shook the cavern walls.

The Guardian was awake.

(Narrator’s Note: And yes, this is where things stop being funny. For now.)

Chapter 13: The First Guardian

The rumble grew louder, like the earth itself had a heartbeat. The tunnel opened into a vast cavern, glowing faintly with moss and crystals embedded in the walls.

And then they saw it.

A hulking beast, half-stone, half-vine, with glowing emerald eyes. Its arms were like tree trunks, roots twisting around boulders. When it moved, the ground cracked beneath it.

“The Guardian of Sylvara…” Mira whispered.

Elior raised his stick (yes, still a stick). “Okay. Don’t panic. It’s just a rock-tree… thing. Totally manageable. We’ve trained for this!”

(Narrator’s Note: They had not, in fact, trained for this.)

The Guardian roared, sending shockwaves through the cavern. Rocks fell from above.

Aria grinned wildly. “Finally! A worthy opponent!” She charged forward, flames bursting from her hands. Her fire blasted across its bark-skin, burning vines away. The Guardian swatted her aside like a mosquito.

Jace groaned. “And she’s down. That was quick.”

Nira lifted her hands, a cyclone of air pushing debris away. “We need a plan. Attack patterns, weak points—”
“BORING!” Nico shouted, lightning sparking from his fingertips as he zapped the Guardian’s leg.
The Guardian roared again, slamming a massive fist down, missing him by inches.
“…Okay, maybe less boring. More running.”

Leo shakily stomped the ground, summoning a wall of stone to block the next hit. His legs trembled. “I-I’m trying!”

Mira closed her eyes, water swirling from the cavern’s damp air. Streams coiled into a whip, striking at the Guardian’s arm, pulling its weight just enough for Jace to strike with crackling electricity.

For a moment—it worked. The Guardian staggered back.

But then it roared again, twice as angry, and vines shot across the floor, snaring Mira’s feet.

“Mira!” Elior’s eyes went wide. He sprinted, smacking at the vines with his stick. Nothing. “Oh come on! Break already!”

The Guardian raised its fist to crush her.

Elior jumped in front, arms spread. “HEY! You ugly shrub rock! Pick on someone with main character energy!”

The Guardian paused. Then… it actually swung at him.
(Narrator’s Note: Big mistake.)

Elior braced for impact—only to instinctively shove Mira aside. At the same time, the vines holding her snapped like brittle twigs. The others blinked.

“…Did he just—” Nira started.
“Break vines with no element?” Jace finished.
“Or maybe his stupidity is a secret weapon,” Aria groaned from the floor.

The Guardian lunged again. This time, everyone moved together.

• Aria reignited her flames, targeting the vines.

• Nira whipped up air to deflect falling rocks.

• Nico and Jace synced their lightning, frying its legs.

• Leo raised walls of stone to give cover.

• Mira directed water at its chest, weakening the bark.

And Elior—Elior shouted, “Everyone! Hit the chest now!”

They all focused their power. Fire, water, earth, air, lightning—all slamming into the Guardian’s chest at once.

With a deafening crack, the Guardian staggered, then fell, its body crumbling into stone and roots.

At the center of its chest, something glowed: a sphere, pulsing with green light.

The Arcane Orb.

The crew collapsed, panting, bruised, but alive.

Elior stumbled toward the Orb. “We… we actually won?”
Aria smirked weakly. “Told you. Worthy opponent.”
Nira sighed. “Or maybe we just got lucky.”
Mira smiled softly at Elior. “No… we did it because we believed in each other.”

Elior grinned, holding the glowing Orb up high. “First Guardian down! Main characters: 1, giant rock-tree: 0!”

(Narrator’s Note: This is the part where you clap. Please clap.)

The cavern echoed with the crew’s laughter—exhausted, but victorious.

They were one step closer to Nova Eclipse

Chapter 14: Farewell Feast

(Author’s Note: I was sleepy while writing this so don’t blame me if this is bad)

The crew staggered back into the village looking like they’d rolled down a hill, wrestled a bear, and lost a fight with some moss.

(Narrator’s Note: Elior did, in fact, still have moss in his hair. At this point, it might just be part of his character design.)

For a moment, the villagers stared in silence. Then came the explosion of cheers:

“They defeated the Guardian!”
“They brought back the Orb!”
“…Wait, those kids did that??”

Elior raised the glowing Arcane Orb high, grinning from ear to ear. “Told you we’d win! Main character energy, baby!”

That night, the village square transformed. Lanterns swung from trees, music filled the air, and long tables overflowed with food: glowing fruit, roasted meat, and drinks that fizzed like fireworks.

The crew dove right in:

• Aria tried to juggle glowing apples, immediately dropped two, then accused gravity of hacking.

• Nira calmly sat with the elders, asking thoughtful questions while secretly judging everyone else.

• Leo hovered at the food table until Mira shoved a plate into his hands. “Eat. You need strength.”

• Nico doodled lightning bolts and funny mustaches on the village statues. “Modern art,” he claimed.

• Jace leaned against a wall, smirking. “You’re all embarrassing. Keep it up.”

• Elior stood on a bench, retelling the Guardian fight with the dramatic flair of someone auditioning for Broadway.

“And then the monster went ROOOAR! And I was like, ‘Not today, broccoli boy!’ And then I single-handedly—”

“—tripped,” Nira interrupted.
“—got saved by us,” Mira corrected.
“—looked really funny,” Nico added.
“—still won,” Elior shot back proudly.

The villagers roared with laughter, clapping along anyway.

Later, the six kids flopped down by the fountain, bellies full and stars glittering above.

“This was actually fun,” Mira admitted.
“Agreed,” said Nira. “A statistical anomaly.”
“Yeah,” Nico said, “we should fight more Guardians. Free dinner every time.”
“Only if I get to fight first next time,” Aria declared.
“Please don’t,” Leo mumbled.

For a rare moment, they just sat together quietly, letting the warmth of victory settle in.

The next morning, bags packed, they stood at the village gates. The elder bowed deeply.

“Young heroes, you now carry the first Orb. More trials await across Zencade. But know this—Sylvara Grove will always welcome you home.”

Elior puffed his chest proudly. “Don’t worry. We’ll save the world and look awesome doing it.”
“Debatable,” Jace said.
“Unstoppable,” Elior countered.

With cheers and waves behind them, the crew marched toward the docks, their laughter carrying across the grove.

Their next destination: Miralis Atol.

(Narrator’s Note: Insert dramatic “duuun-dun-dunnnn” music here. Still waiting for the budget.)

Chapter 15: Seasick & Suspiciously Large Fish

The salty breeze whipped through Elior’s hair as their ship creaked across the waves. He spread his arms dramatically at the bow.

Nico leaned over the railing, staring at the churning sea. “Do you think if I shoot lightning in the water, we’ll get fried fish for dinner?”
“Or fried us,” Nira muttered.
“Win-win,” Nico shrugged.

Aria had climbed halfway up the mast, yelling, “I’m the captain now!” The actual captain was too tired to argue.

Mira was pacing nervously. “Guys, don’t you think the ocean is… too quiet?”
“Quiet is good,” Leo mumbled, green-faced and clinging to a bucket. “Quiet means no vomiting monsters. Or just… no vomiting.”

Jace lounged on a coil of rope, smirking. “You’re all embarrassing yourselves. Again. Carry on.”

After two days of storms, seasickness, and Elior insisting he saw a “suspiciously large fish with glowing eyes” (which nobody else witnessed, of course), the ship finally neared land.

Miralis Atol rose from the horizon like a crown of jagged emeralds, the sun casting it in gold. Waterfalls spilled off cliffs into the sea, and the air shimmered with mist.

“Whoa…” Mira whispered.
“It’s… huge,” Aria said.
“It’s… definitely going to try to kill us,” Nico added helpfully.

(Narrator’s Note: Ah, optimism. So refreshing.)

The ship docked at a small harbor town called Coralrest, where colorful houses were built into cliffs and rope bridges swayed above the water. Villagers waved, curious about the newcomers.

“Okay,” Elior said, marching confidently off the ship. “Step one: food. Step two: figure out where the giant monster is. Step three: profit.”
“Profit?” Nira raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Like… character development profit. Growth arc stuff.”

Mira pinched the bridge of her nose. “Please stop talking.”

The crew wandered the bustling markets, marveling at strange seashell trinkets, glowing fish lanterns, and fruit the size of their heads.

But everywhere they went, whispers followed them:
“Foreigners…”
“They’re just kids…”
“Do you think they’ll survive the trial here?”

The crew exchanged uneasy glances.

“Well, that’s comforting,” Jace said dryly.

As the sun dipped into the sea, the group sat on a rocky ledge overlooking Coralrest. The ocean glowed faintly under the moonlight.

“New place, new monster,” Elior said, grinning. “Let’s do this.”
“Or die horribly,” Nico added.
“Positive thinking, Nico,” Mira scolded.
“I am being positive. I’m positive we’re going to die horribly.”

They laughed, their voices echoing against the waves, not knowing what trials Miralis Atol had waiting for them.

Chapter 16: Bubble Trouble

The crew marched up to the Coralrest elders, ready to flex their victory energy.

“Okay!” Elior announced, hands on hips. “Where’s the Guardian? Point us in the right direction so we can save the world again.”

The villagers didn’t cheer. They didn’t clap. They just… stared. Then one elder sighed.

“The trial of Miralis is no land battle. The Guardian rules the ocean depths, surrounded by loyal minions. If you wish to face it… you must first breathe where you cannot breathe.”

The crew froze.

“Wait,” Mira said. “Underwater?”
“Yes.”
“With monsters?”
“Yes.”
“And crushing ocean pressure that could squash us into pancakes?” Nico added.
“Yes.”

The crew turned to Elior.

He grinned. “This is fine. Totally fine. Mira will handle it!”
Mira blinked. “Excuse me!?”

That afternoon, they gathered at the lagoon. The elder explained: “Your only chance is to wield water itself. Form it into a great sphere, a bubble strong enough to protect you all from the sea.”

All eyes turned to Mira.

“Oh… oh no,” she muttered.

Day One

Mira raised her hands, focusing hard. Water trembled, then formed a tiny bubble… the size of an orange. It immediately popped.

“Nice!” Elior clapped. “Perfect for carrying… a hamster.”
“Or your brain,” Jace muttered.

Day Two

Mira tried again. This time, the bubble grew bigger, large enough to fit a person’s head.

Nico immediately shoved his head inside. “I am the Bubble King!”
It popped. He fell face-first into the sand.
“Long live the king,” Aria said solemnly.

Day Three

Finally, Mira managed a sphere big enough to surround all six of them… for five seconds. Then it burst, drenching everyone.

“Okay,” Nira coughed, wringing out her clothes, “progress… but we’ll drown like stylish idiots at this rate.”
Leo gave Mira an encouraging smile. “You’re doing great. Just… try not to kill us with water next time.”

Mira buried her face in her hands. “This is impossible…”

That night, Mira sat alone by the shore, staring at the waves. Elior plopped down beside her.

“Perfection doesn’t make heroes. Persistence does. Keep pushing, and the ocean will move with you.”
She glanced at him. “…Since when are you deep?”
“Since right now,” he grinned. “Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my image.”

The next day, Mira stood tall, determination blazing. She focused, hands steady. The water bent and swirled, forming into a massive shimmering bubble that hovered above the lagoon.

The crew gasped.
“It’s… huge!” Leo said.
“It’s… beautiful!” Aria cheered.
“It’s… hopefully not about to explode on us,” Jace muttered.

But it didn’t pop. It held.

Mira’s eyes widened. “…I did it.”

The elder nodded with approval. “Now… you are ready to descend. The Guardian awaits below.”

The crew exchanged nervous glances, excitement and fear churning like the ocean waves.

“Underwater boss fight,” Elior said, grinning. “This is gonna be awesome.”

(Narrator’s Note: Or very, very not awesome. Place your bets.)

Chapter 17: Into the Deep

The giant bubble shimmered around them, glowing faintly blue as Mira concentrated with all her strength. The crew huddled inside, bobbing gently on the lagoon’s surface.

“This is either going to be the coolest adventure ever,” Elior grinned, “or the fastest group drowning in history.”
“Not helping,” Mira hissed through clenched teeth, sweat beading on her forehead.
Nira crossed her arms. “Relax, Mira. If the bubble pops, at least Elior will stop talking.”
“Understandable,” Aria muttered.

With a deep breath, Mira lowered her hands. The bubble sank beneath the waves, carrying them into the glowing blue world below.

The seafloor stretched out like an alien city. Coral towers shimmered with faint bioluminescence, and schools of fish darted away from the intruders. Then, as they descended further, the water grew darker, colder. Shadows moved in the distance.

“Okay, I’ll admit,” Jace whispered, “this is actually kinda terrifying.”
“Speak for yourself,” Nico said, sparks flickering at his fingertips. “I’m ready to barbecue some fish.”
“You… do know we’re underwater, right?” Leo asked.
Nico blinked. “…Okay, plan B.”

At the end of a long trench, the cavern opened into a vast chamber. In its center, coiled around jagged stone, was the Guardian of Miralis: a monstrous leviathan covered in shimmering scales, its eyes glowing like molten sapphires. Smaller eel-like creatures slithered around it, snapping sharp teeth.

“Welp,” Elior said, “that’s nightmare fuel. Everyone ready?”
“No,” Mira said flatly.
“Too bad, ‘cause—ROLL INITIATIVE!” Elior shouted, even though nobody knew what that meant.

The minions struck first, darting toward the bubble like living torpedoes. Mira reinforced the shield while Aria pressed her palms against the surface—flames erupted inside the bubble, shooting through small openings Mira created. Eels sizzled and scattered.

“Teamwork, baby!” Aria shouted.
“More like microwaving seafood,” Nira muttered, wind blades slicing another eel.

Leo stomped, and a shockwave rippled through the seabed, sending rocks crashing down on the enemy swarm. Jace and Nico unleashed arcs of electricity, frying multiple minions at once.

Then the leviathan roared. The force rattled their bones, nearly bursting Mira’s bubble. She gasped, struggling to hold it together.

“It’s targeting her!” Leo yelled.
“Not on my watch!” Elior darted forward, slamming his fists into the ground inside the bubble. Nothing happened.
Everyone stared.
“…Okay, still no powers,” Elior admitted. “But hey, moral support counts!”

The leviathan lunged, fangs snapping. Mira screamed, thrusting her hands outward—the bubble expanded violently, smashing the beast back against the cavern wall.

The crew seized the chance. Aria unleashed a firestorm through the cracks, Nira sliced currents like blades, Leo hurled stone pillars, and Nico + Jace unleashed twin lightning strikes that illuminated the entire cavern.

The leviathan writhed, shrieked, then collapsed into the abyss. Its massive body disintegrated into light, leaving behind a glowing arcane heart that floated gently toward the bubble.

Mira gasped, tears mixing with seawater as the strain faded. She’d done it—the bubble was still intact. The others cheered.

“We actually won,” Leo breathed.
“No way,” Nico said. “We just beat a kaiju underwater. Do you know how cool that sounds?”
“Cool?” Elior grinned. “It’s legendary. And guess what? Second dungeon down… five to go.”
Everyone groaned in unison.

The arcane heart pulsed in Elior’s hands, glowing brighter than anything they’d ever seen.

“Step one,” he whispered. “Getting strong enough to face the devil himself.”

(Narrator’s Note: Spoiler—things are about to get much, much worse.)

Chapter 18: Obscuron Cradle

The sea shimmered like glass as the crew’s boat sliced through the water. After their victory at Miralis Atol, they didn’t waste time heading toward their next destination — Obscuron Cradle.

“Man, I hope this one doesn’t involve swimming for our lives,” Nico groaned, half-asleep on the deck.
“You can’t swim for your life if you don’t know how to swim,” Jace added, earning a few chuckles.
“Hey, at least Mira can make water bubbles now,” Elior said, looking back with a teasing grin.
“Yeah, but you nearly drowned inside it last time,” Mira muttered, crossing her arms.
“Character development,” Elior said confidently, staring dramatically at the horizon.

As they docked, they were surprised — the island looked bright and bustling, not gloomy like its name suggested. Lush forests covered the land, dotted with cottages that looked like they were built out of laughter itself — colorful, slightly crooked, but full of life.

Villagers of all ages roamed the streets. Kids played tag, teens chased each other with sticks, and elders sat around telling stories. It was the liveliest island they’d seen so far.

Before the crew could even get their bearings, a small kid with wild hair and a grin wider than his face ran up to them.
“HI NEW PEOPLE! YOU LOOK WEIRD! WANNA PLAY TAG OR EAT BERRIES OR BOTH!?”

The crew froze.

“…What just happened?” Leo whispered.
“I think the sound barrier just cried,” Nira muttered.
Elior crouched to the kid’s level. “Hey, little dude, we’re actually here for the—”
“OKAY COOL COME MEET MY GRANDMA SHE MAKES THE BEST STEW!” the kid yelled, already dragging Mira by the hand.

Within minutes, they were surrounded by cheerful villagers. The chief — a gentle old woman named Elda — welcomed them warmly.
“Strangers are rare in these parts,” she said with a smile. “Stay in our homes. Eat with us. You’ll need your strength if you seek the island’s trial.”

“The trial?” Elior asked.
“Oh yes,” she replied. “But tonight… you rest. Tomorrow, you’ll understand why this place laughs so much.”

The crew exchanged glances — half excited, half terrified.
Mira sighed. “It’s never just a vacation with us, is it?”
Elior grinned. “Nope. It’s an adventure montage waiting to happen.”