The grand festival had ended, but for some, the true adventure was only the beginning.
Scene 1: A Meeting Under Fateful Skies
Devran stood at the outskirts of the bustling town, adjusting the strap of his travel bag. His purpose was clear—to find a master who could help him unlock his true potential. However, he hadn't expected an unwanted companion to appear before him.
Tianlan stood with his arms crossed, his sharp golden eyes watching Devran with mild amusement.
"You again?" Devran sighed. "Are you following me?"
Tianlan smirked, flicking his sleeve. "Don't flatter yourself. I have my own reasons for leaving this town."
Devran narrowed his eyes. He had encountered this man twice already—once at the food stalls and another during the festival. Both times, Tianlan had been equally infuriating.
"Then walk in another direction," Devran muttered, turning away.
"And let you get yourself killed on the road?" Tianlan mocked. "I may not like you, but watching you stumble around like a lost puppy is almost entertaining."
Devran clenched his jaw. "I don't need your help."
"Too bad. I'm coming anyway."
Before Devran could protest further, a familiar voice interrupted.
"You two seem close already," Saanvi teased as she approached.
Devran immediately shook his head. "We are not!"
Saanvi chuckled. "Good, then I won't feel guilty joining you."
Tianlan raised a brow. "You? What's a delicate-looking girl like you doing on the road?"
"Delicate?" Saanvi repeated, crossing her arms. "I'll have you know, I'm much stronger than I look."
Tianlan shrugged. "We'll see."
Before the bickering could continue, an unfamiliar voice cut through the air.
"You're all rather noisy for a group about to embark on a long journey."
The three turned sharply to see a man dressed in dark robes, standing by the tree line. His long black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his piercing silver eyes glowed faintly under the sunlight. He carried himself with the air of someone who knew far more than he let on.
"Who are you?" Devran asked cautiously, hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword.
The stranger smiled slightly. "A traveler, just like you."
Tianlan's gaze darkened. "I don't trust him."
Vihaan chuckled. "Good. It means you're not entirely reckless."
Saanvi squinted at him. "Wait... I know you. We met at the festival, didn't we?"
Vihaan glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "We did."
Devran studied the man carefully. Something about him felt off, yet not in a way that set off immediate danger. If anything, it felt as if he were hiding something.
"Are you planning to follow us too?" Devran asked.
Vihaan smirked. "Perhaps. If you don't mind."
Tianlan scoffed. "We do mind."
"Too bad," Vihaan said, mirroring Tianlan's earlier words.
Saanvi looked between them and sighed. "Well, the more, the merrier, right?"
Devran hesitated before nodding. "Fine. But don't get in our way."
With that, the four of them officially set out. What none of them knew was that one among them was not who he claimed to be.
---
Scene 2: The Imperial Prince's Order
The golden halls of the Imperial Court were filled with tension. Ministers murmured in hushed voices, their faces pale with unease.
At the head of the chamber, the Emperor sat upon his grand throne, his piercing gaze fixed on his son, Wei Zhan.
"Dark forces are stirring." His voice echoed across the room. "The Empire is in danger."
Wei Zhan barely held back a scoff. Dark forces? How convenient.
For weeks now, he had felt something strange within him—a flicker of power buried deep in his blood, a force that was neither his own nor entirely unfamiliar. He had ignored it, pretending it didn't exist.
But now, the entire Empire was speaking of unseen terrors.
Monsters sighted in the mountains. Shadows creeping through the villages. A growing fear that something ancient and deadly was awakening.
"A master must be found," the Emperor continued. "Someone who understands these dark forces. You will leave immediately."
Wei Zhan smirked. "Why me? I'm a prince, not a wandering disciple."
The Emperor's eyes darkened. "Because you are not ordinary."
Wei Zhan stiffened. He had expected his father to dismiss his strange condition as foolishness. Instead, it seemed the Emperor knew something.
But what?
Before Wei Zhan could question him, another voice spoke.
"Your Highness, I will accompany you."
All eyes turned to Xie Lian, the newly appointed imperial bodyguard.
The Emperor nodded in approval. "Good. Keep him alive."
Xie Lian stole a glance at Wei Zhan, who rolled his eyes dramatically. "Babysitter duty already? I thought you'd at least take me to dinner first."
Xie Lian sighed. "I protect the Empire. Not spoiled princes."
Wei Zhan's smirk widened. "We'll see about that."
And with that, the two set out on their journey.
____
Flashback: The Mysterious Man at the Festival
During the festival, while Devran and Tianlan were caught up in their own clash of wills, Saanvi had wandered through the bustling streets, enjoying the sights. Lanterns floated in the sky, children laughed, and the scent of roasted chestnuts filled the air.
As she passed by a quiet tea stall, she noticed a man sitting alone under a cherry blossom tree, sipping tea. His long dark hair was tied loosely, and he wore simple yet refined robes. But what truly caught her attention were his piercing, knowing eyes—as if he could see through her very soul.
Saanvi hesitated. There was something strangely familiar about him.
"You've been staring for quite some time," the man spoke without looking at her.
She blinked, slightly embarrassed. "I— I was just passing by."
The man smirked slightly. "And yet, here you are, still standing."
Saanvi frowned. "You're rather arrogant, aren't you?"
He chuckled, finally meeting her gaze. "Perhaps."
Something about his presence made her uneasy yet curious. His aura was different—calm, unshaken, almost too wise for a common traveler.
Before she could ask anything else, the festival drums sounded, and the crowd pulled her away. When she glanced back, the man was already gone.
....