The sky darkened as Rheus, Luisa, and Alex trekked through the winding paths toward the Sanctuary of the Forgotten Mages. The mountains loomed overhead, casting ominous shadows across their path. The air was thick with ancient magic, heavy and suffocating, and the atmosphere felt more dangerous with each step they took.
"This is it," Alex murmured, his eyes scanning the jagged rocks around them. "The Sanctuary should be close."
Luisa glanced at him, her bow at the ready. "Are you sure this is the right place? It feels… off."
Rheus frowned. "It's too quiet. No birds, no wind, nothing. Like the whole place is dead."
Alex didn't respond, his focus solely on the massive stone archway up ahead, covered in intricate carvings. Symbols long forgotten by time. "We're here."
As they approached the archway, a strange, cold presence enveloped them. They stopped in their tracks, suddenly aware that they were not alone.
"Welcome to my territory," a voice called out from the shadows, calm and controlled. "You've come far, only to meet your end."
From behind the archway, a woman emerged—tall, graceful, and with an air of eerie calm. Her pale skin contrasted with her dark robes, and her cold eyes seemed to pierce through them. Her presence was unmistakable.
"Miria," Alex whispered, recognizing her from the stories. "The Calm Witch."
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "So, you know of me. Good. Then you must know I'm one of the five commanders of Pandemonium."
Rheus stepped forward, sword drawn. "Pandemonium? Then you're—"
Miria cut him off, her voice even and emotionless. "Yes, I am one of Delra's elites. But that doesn't matter to you anymore. You're in my domain now."
Without another word, she raised her hand, and the ground beneath them trembled. Dark energy swirled around her as she prepared to attack.
"Get ready!" Alex shouted, pulling out his staff. Rheus and Luisa flanked him, weapons at the ready.
Miria's attacks came swiftly—dark tendrils of magic lashing out at them, forcing them to dodge and weave. Rheus swung his sword, deflecting some of the attacks, while Luisa fired arrows imbued with elemental magic. But no matter how hard they fought, Miria remained unfazed, her expression never changing.
"She's too strong!" Luisa gasped, narrowly avoiding another blast of dark energy.
"We can't give up!" Rheus shouted, pushing back against the overwhelming force. "We've faced worse before!"
But as the battle dragged on, it became clear that they were outmatched. Miria's calm demeanor made it seem like she wasn't even trying. However, something changed as she locked eyes with Alex, who was muttering ancient words under his breath, deciphering the symbols on the archway.
Suddenly, Miria's attack stopped, and a flicker of something unfamiliar crossed her face—interest. "You… you can read the ancient language?"
Alex looked up, surprised by the question. "I… I can."
Her cold demeanor softened slightly. "You can read the language of the ancients? That means… you're not like the others."
Rheus and Luisa exchanged confused glances, but Alex's attention was fixed on Miria. The intense energy that had radiated from her seemed to dim.
"You're… like me," she said, her voice softening for the first time. "The ancient language… only those who have studied it for centuries can understand it. But you… you're so young."
Miria's calm, emotionless mask began to crack. Her gaze softened as she stepped closer to Alex, her tone almost… affectionate. "You're different. Special."
Alex took a cautious step back, his heart racing. "W-what do you want?"
"I want to help you," Miria said, her voice now carrying a strange warmth. "You've piqued my interest, Alex. More than anyone ever has. I haven't felt this way in a long time."
Luisa raised an eyebrow, her bow still aimed at Miria. "What are you talking about?"
Miria ignored her, her eyes only on Alex. "Pandemonium… they don't understand the true power of the ancients. But I do. And so do you."
Rheus narrowed his eyes. "You're one of Pandemonium's commanders. Why would you want to help us?"
Miria sighed, her calm composure returning, though a faint blush colored her cheeks as she looked at Alex. "Let's just say… I have my reasons." Her voice dropped, becoming more serious. "I can tell you Shero's weakness."
The three of them froze. Shero—the Shadowy Killer, the one who had nearly killed them just days ago.
"What's the catch?" Alex asked cautiously.
Miria smiled, a soft, almost playful smile that was at odds with her cold reputation. "No catch. I simply want to help… you."
Alex took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. "And what's his weakness?"
Miria's smile widened. "Shero's power comes from the shadows, but even the strongest shadow fades in the light. He can't survive in direct sunlight for long. His shadow magic weakens under bright, focused light. You must use that against him."
Rheus's eyes widened in realization. "So that's it…"
"But be careful," Miria warned, her voice turning serious again. "Even knowing his weakness, Shero is still incredibly dangerous. You'll need to be stronger before you can face him again."
Luisa lowered her bow slightly, though she remained wary. "Why tell us this? What's your angle?"
Miria glanced at Alex, her expression softening once more. "Let's just say… I want to see Alex again. And perhaps, one day, he might come to appreciate someone who shares his love for the ancients."
Alex, flustered and clearly uncomfortable with her sudden affection, took another step back. "I-I don't know what you're expecting, but—"
Miria interrupted him with a quiet chuckle, her calm demeanor returning. "Don't worry. I'll wait."
She turned to leave, but paused, looking over her shoulder. "There's more you need to know about Pandemonium. Delra and his commanders… they're after something far greater than just power. They seek to control an ancient force that could destroy everything. Be careful, Alex."
With that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving them standing at the edge of the Sanctuary, stunned by the encounter.
---
As they heading toward Eryndor, the weight of Miria's words hung over them. Shero's weakness gave them a glimmer of hope, but the knowledge of Pandemonium's true goals left them unsettled.
"We should be close to Eryndor now," Alex said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
But before they could reach the safety of the village, a familiar chilling presence descended upon them. The shadows twisted, and Shero, the Shadowy Killer, emerged from the darkness.
"You thought you could escape me," Shero hissed, his voice like a cold whisper.
Rheus immediately drew his sword. "Not again."
Alex stepped forward, gripping his staff tightly. "We know your weakness now, Shero. But we're not ready to fight you yet."
Shero's eyes gleamed with malice. "Then you won't leave here alive."
Before Shero could attack, Alex began chanting, his hands glowing with the ancient magic he had used to escape before. The portal shimmered into existence once again, and without hesitation, Rheus and Luisa jumped through. Alex followed, casting one last glance at Shero before the portal closed behind them.
---
In this chapter, the group encounters Miria, who unexpectedly develops feelings for Alex due to their shared knowledge of ancient languages. Her demeanor changes from cold and calm to playful and affectionate, especially toward Alex. She offers crucial information about Shero's weakness and gives insight into Pandemonium's larger goals. Though they leave her behind, Miria remains in contact with Alex for future developments.