"Three months!" Zorath the Silent's final warning echoed as the last figure vanished into the luminous corridor. "Return here in ninety days—or remain trapped forever!"
The dimensional gateway collapsed moments later. The four titans slumped, their drained energies withdrawn.
"Such prodigies… May they unearth treasures worthy of their talents," gasped the water-aligned Sage Magus, his breathing ragged from exertion.
"Survival alone would suffice," Zorath grunted, wiping sweat from his brow. The ruins' lethal reputation hung unspoken between them—those emerging alive would inevitably emerge transformed.
Another mage sighed. "Let half return breathing, and we'll count it victory."
Within the spatial corridor, Kael marveled as the southern continent shrunk to miniature proportions behind them. With power like Zorath's, even the Three Great Continents become mere stepping stones...
Emergence revealed immediate tensions. Sacred Council and Sanctum factions stood divided like oil and water, mutual suspicion thickening the air. Only Kael's trio—Amelia's hand warm in his, Ethan hovering protectively nearby—formed a cohesive unit.
"Western quadrant of the ruins," Kael murmured, cross-referencing Sophia's intelligence with the vista before them: petrified monoliths crusted with glowing runes, fungal forests emitting bioluminescent haze.
"Leif-hunting first!" barked a Sanctum warrior. Though hostility simmered beneath surface civility, all recognized their shared priority—neutralizing the Shadowwing Mage preceded any treasure wars.
For now.
The Temple crowd dispersed, leaving members of the Sacred Council exchanging uncertain glances amongst themselves.
"Hmph, I'm not sticking around with those from Yanhua Academy!" Simon from Nanka Academy snorted coldly. Jessica nodded in agreement, and soon all three Nanka members broke away from the group to search elsewhere.
Since no one truly understood this ancient ruin, they might as well take their chances. Who knew? They might stumble upon great treasures!
Nanka's departure sparked a chain reaction. These elite students from various academies, each brimming with prideful confidence, proved utterly incapable of cooperation. Within moments, only Kael's trio remained at the site.
"Seems we're not exactly popular here," Ethan shrugged, his use of "we" subtly bridging their rapport.
Kael gave Ethan a measuring look. While Amelia was completely trustworthy, Ethan remained... complicated.
"What's that stare for? Want a rematch?" Ethan chuckled, completely unfazed. "Here's not the place for that."
Kael's lips twitched in amusement. Ethan's unflappable composure explained his three-year championship streak. Truth be told, Kael's current strength only marginally surpassed Ethan's. Having him join forces with Amelia and himself would be mutually beneficial.
"When I came," Ethan continued earnestly, "I studied the dangers. From our Southern Gaia continent's records, these ancient ruins exist as separate dimensional spaces - filled with ancestral treasures but equally deadly beasts..."
Kael's interest sharpened. Ethan's intel aligned perfectly with the documents he'd obtained from Yujinxiang. The young champion was being remarkably forthcoming.
"We'll be sharing campfires for three months at least. From now on, we're a team." Kael extended his hand toward Ethan. Despite their complex history, alliance was their wisest course.
But Ethan suddenly slapped Kael's hand away, instead punching his shoulder. "Of course we'll watch each other's backs! But keep ready for my challenges - I'll beat you someday!" His booming laughter echoed through the ruins.
Kael blinked, then smirked. "Challenge me anytime. Though victory's beyond your reach."
Their eyes locked momentarily before simultaneous laughter dissolved remaining tension, camaraderie warming the mountain air.
"We're deep in these peaks, but who knows this dimension's true scope?" Kael settled cross-legged on stony ground, already strategizing. "Three months demands efficient searching."
"Priority one's locating Darkwing Mage Leif's hideout," Ethan thumped down beside him. "Pity we're mapping uncharted territory."
"Even Sacred Council and Temple lack intel here. We pioneer this hunt."
Decision made, the trio sprang into action. Their search carried urgency - scouring cliffs until sunset yielded nothing.
"Damnation! How vast is this cursed place?" Ethan collapsed unceremoniously, wiping sweat. His disheveled state would shatter Yanhua Academy fangirls' hearts.
"Food first." Kael's stomach growled agreement. Amelia nodded, silver hair glinting in twilight.
With practiced ease, Kael conjured flame between palms. Spatial rings materialized provisions - soon sizzling meat perfumed the air.
Even Amelia's usually impassive features softened at his cooking. Silently offering her raw cuts, her starry eyes spoke culinary plea.
"My pleasure." Kael's skilled rotation produced golden-crusted perfection.
"Must you flaunt affection mid-wilderness?" Ethan protested through mouthfuls, though his mock glare couldn't mask appreciation.
Amelia's delicate bite unleashed savory ambrosia - culinary alchemy transcending mere campfire meal.
"Delicious," Amelia praised, privately acknowledging his superior culinary skills. Perhaps she should let him handle next time's herring preparation. The thought drew an unexpected smile from her lips.
"Indeed! That aroma alone could make mouths water. Truly exceptional - I haven't smelled roast this divine in decades!"
The unfamiliar voice froze the trio mid-bite. This didn't belong to any of them.
Kael's head snapped up, scanning the rocky outcrops. Nothing moved but shifting shadows. A faint rustling permeated the air, heightening their alertness. Abandoned meat sizzled forgotten as they formed defensive positions.
"Who's there?" Kael barked, obsidian staff raised defensively. His mind raced - within these ruins, only Sacred Council, Temple members, or the fugitive Darkwing Mage Leif should exist. Unless...
But ancient legends spoke of sentient beasts here, creatures capable of human speech.
Kael's grip tightened on his staff, violet magic swirling at its tip. His eyes remained locked on the voice's origin point, every hypothesis flashing through his tactical mind unverified.