The warm breeze of Elforia whispered through the village, bringing with it the scent of wildflowers and the distant laughter of children. For now, the peaceful air masked the growing danger on the horizon. Inside the modest inn, **Rheus Marcellion**, **Luisa**, and **Alex** were gathered around a table, studying a worn map of the continent.
"We've been through most of the ruins in the northern regions," Rheus began, tracing a finger over the map. "But if the Lost Kingdom's relic is hidden anywhere, it has to be closer to the south, near Eryndor."
Luisa's brows furrowed in concentration. "We've heard rumors of strange activity in that region. Warriors gathering, powerful figures moving about. Could Pandemonium be involved?"
Alex, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, sighed heavily. "It's possible. But we still don't know much about Pandemonium. They operate in the shadows, and their members are a mystery to even the most well-informed sources."
Rheus frowned, feeling the weight of uncertainty. "The shadowy figure who attacked us at the Shattered Fortress. He's the only one we've encountered who might have a direct connection to Pandemonium. But we need more information before we can even think of challenging them."
Luisa added, "We barely escaped with our lives. We need to be more prepared next time, and that means finding out everything we can about Pandemonium."
Alex, his eyes sharp, spoke firmly, "We've been chasing rumors, but it's time to find something concrete. There are informants in Eryndor who might know more. And we have a better chance of survival if we strengthen ourselves before facing Pandemonium again."
Rheus nodded, his resolve solidifying. "Then Eryndor is our next stop."
---
**Pandemonium's Hidden Stronghold**
Far from the peaceful village of Elforia, deep within a mountain range hidden from the world, the dark guild **Pandemonium** was preparing its next move. Inside their dimly lit stronghold, the air was thick with tension. **Delra**, the shadowy leader of the guild, sat at the head of the long stone table, his face obscured in darkness.
**Shero**, the elusive **Shadowy Killer**, knelt before him, his head bowed. "Rheus Marcellion and his companions are on the move, heading toward Eryndor. They're searching for more information, but they're still in the dark about our full strength."
Delra's voice, deep and cold, echoed through the room. "Let them search. Knowledge won't save them. If they become too much of a nuisance, we'll deal with them personally."
In the shadows surrounding Delra, five figures stood silently—the **Five commanders** of Pandemonium. Each one exuded an aura of terrifying power, waiting for their leader's command. But for now, they remained unseen, their identities hidden even from most of the guild's members.
Delra's eyes glinted from the shadows. "Let the **Iron Body** handle them. We've been testing their limits. Now it's time to show them what real power looks like."
Shero rose to his feet, his cold expression unchanging. "As you wish. Gideon will strike soon. They won't know what hit them."
Delra's lips curled into a dark smile. "Good. But watch carefully. I want to know how they react."
---
**The Road to Eryndor**
Days later, on the outskirts of Elforia, Rheus, Luisa, and Alex traveled along the rugged road to Eryndor. The closer they got, the more they could feel the looming tension of the region. The villages around Eryndor were known for their warriors, but there was also a growing sense of unease, with rumors of strange happenings spreading like wildfire.
As they neared a forested path leading deeper toward their destination, Luisa suddenly halted, her eyes narrowing. "We're being followed."
Alex, ever cautious, nodded. "I've felt it for a while. Whoever it is, they're good at hiding their presence."
Rheus unsheathed his sword, his muscles tensing. "Shadowy figure?"
"Possibly," Luisa whispered, her hand gripping her bow. "But there's something different this time."
Suddenly, a massive figure emerged from the shadows of the trees, stepping into the light. His skin gleamed as if made of metal, and his eyes shone with a cold, ruthless determination.
**Gideon the Iron Body**, one of Pandemonium's feared **Four Elites**, stood before them. His massive frame blocked the entire path, his body rippling with unnatural strength. "You're a long way from safety, travelers," Gideon growled, his voice like grinding steel.
Rheus, Luisa, and Alex immediately braced themselves, recognizing the overwhelming power radiating from their opponent.
"Gideon…" Alex muttered, his eyes widening. "I think I heard a rumor about him. Gideon, the Iron Body… Don't tell me you're a member of Pandemonium?"
Gideon chuckled darkly, flexing his iron-like muscles. "So, you've heard of me. Good. That means I don't need to waste time with introductions."
Without another word, Gideon charged forward, his iron fist crashing down toward Rheus with the force of a falling mountain. Rheus barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as the ground cracked beneath the impact.
"He's fast for someone so big!" Luisa shouted, already loosing arrows toward the giant. But each arrow bounced harmlessly off Gideon's iron body.
Alex, his mind racing, quickly began chanting a spell. "I'll try to slow him down, but we need a plan! He's too strong to face head-on!"
Gideon laughed, his voice booming. "You think you can stop me with magic? I'll crush your spells, just like I'll crush you!"
He raised his arm again, preparing to bring it down on Luisa this time. But before he could strike, Rheus darted forward, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he aimed for a weak spot near Gideon's side.
The blade connected, but instead of piercing through, it bounced off with a metallic clang.
"What the—?" Rheus exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock.
Gideon grinned. "My entire body is like iron. You'll need more than that to hurt me."
---
The battle raged on, but despite their best efforts, Rheus, Luisa, and Alex were clearly outmatched. Every strike they made barely scratched the surface, while Gideon's powerful attacks threatened to overwhelm them.
"We can't keep this up," Rheus muttered through gritted teeth, narrowly avoiding another devastating punch. "We need to find a way to break through his defenses!"
Alex, wiping sweat from his brow, nodded grimly. "I've been analyzing his movements. There's a brief moment when he shifts from offense to defense. It's small, but it's there. If we can time it right… we might be able to land a critical blow."
Luisa readied her bow again, determination in her eyes. "Then let's make it count."
---
As they prepared for one final push, in the distance, hidden in the shadows of the trees, **Shero** watched silently, his cold gaze fixed on the unfolding battle. His orders had been clear—observe, report, and if necessary, eliminate the threat.
But for now, he would wait. Pandemonium's plans were only just beginning, and this was merely a taste of the chaos to come.