The night enveloped the Paths’ base in an almost absolute silence. A gentle breeze made the trees sway slowly, their shadows moving like specters under the pale moonlight. The weather was pleasant, cool enough to bring tranquility—but inside one of the rooms, that peace was nothing more than an illusion.

  Louis tossed and turned in his bed, his face twisted in anguish. His chest rose and fell rapidly, as if he were struggling to breathe. Inside his mind, he was trapped in something far more terrifying than reality.

  He was there, standing in the middle of a destroyed village. The scent of ash and iron burned his nostrils. Bodies lay scattered on the ground, distorted beyond recognition. He looked to his right and saw a familiar face beneath the rubble, pleading for help—until everything collapsed upon them.

  Then, a voice echoed. A cold and unmistakable voice.

  "You failed."

  Louis spun around, his heart pounding, but saw no one. Only shadows creeping around him, each taking form, each bearing empty stares.

  He tried to run, but his legs wouldn't move. Then, something emerged before him. A figure. A dark reflection of himself. His eyes glowed a deep scarlet, a cruel smile adorned his face.

  "You know what you must do..." the copy whispered, extending a hand toward him.

  Several shadows rose from the ground, beginning to pull him downward—into an endless void. Louis tried to scream, but no sound came out. The deeper he sank, the more his essence faded. The figure drew closer, slow and relentless, until—

  He woke up gasping, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

  — W-what was that...? — Louis murmured, bringing a trembling hand to his chest as he tried to steady his breathing.

  The next morning, Erick sat at the edge of the fountain, exhaustion evident after a long week of training. Beside him, Wally held a notebook, making notes on his progress.

  — You're improving fast, Erick! — Wally said, giving him a light pat on the shoulder.

  Erick sighed, his eyes tired, before nodding.

  — Thank you, Mr. Wally... — he said, looking up at the sky. — "But why is the captain so strict with training?"

  Wally crossed his arms and smiled.

  — I understand how you feel. He was the same with us when we were your age.

  Erick's eyes widened in surprise.

  — R-really?!

  — Yes. — Wally chuckled at the boy’s amused expression.

  Erick placed a hand on his chin, still remembering the last battle. His gaze reflected admiration and amazement.

  — I can't wait to be as strong as you guys!

  Wally stood up and placed a hand on Erick’s shoulder.

  — But until then, you need to train a lot... and complain less!

  — Yes, sir!

  Meanwhile, Erick noticed Louis approaching. With an excited smile, he waved at his brother and ran toward him.

  — Hey, Louis! I want to show you something amazing I learned!

  Louis raised an eyebrow.

  — Oh... sure.

  Erick positioned himself on the ground, as if preparing to sprint, and recited his spell.

  — Electric Magic: Electric Dash!

  Like lightning, he dashed off, making a full lap around the Paths’ headquarters before returning to Louis’ side, still panting.

  — Well? What do you think?

  — It’s... incredible... — Louis replied, but his voice was dull.

  Erick frowned, noticing his brother’s weary expression. Without thinking twice, he placed a hand on Louis’ shoulder.

  — You’ve been acting strange all week, Louis... What’s wrong?

  Louis averted his gaze for a brief moment.

  — It’s nothing, really... I just... — He hesitated, clenching his fists. — I need to go.

  Without waiting for a response, he turned and entered the headquarters, rushing past Lilith and the others, who were just arriving.

  — What’s wrong with him...? — Lilith asked, concerned.

  — He’s been acting weird since that mission. Everyone’s noticed. — Mei commented, crossing her arms.

  — Louis... — Erick murmured, deep in thought.

  From a distance, Cosmo observed everything, resting his hand on his chin, an enigmatic smile forming on his lips.

  Louis sat on the staircase steps, staring into nothing as he let out a long sigh.

  — Hey, kid.

  Angel's voice came from the top of the stairs. He stopped and observed Louis for a moment before continuing:

  — You're in the way. Move. — he said in a dry tone.

  Louis nodded, lowering his head as he stepped aside. However, as Angel passed by him, he paused for a brief moment, analyzing Louis’ dejected expression.

  Louis looked away, hesitant.

  — ...I-it's nothing, sir...

  — Then stop that and smile more.

  Without another word, he walked out the door. Louis remained there, motionless, staring at the closed door for a long moment before finally heading upstairs.

  The group was gathered around the table, all eyes on the captain. Cosmo unrolled a map over the wooden surface.

  — Today's mission will be in the city of Systella. It's known for its crystal-clear springs and rare minerals. A great vacation spot! — he said with a wide grin. — Any questions?

  Erick raised his hand.

  — Captain, why are we being sent to Systella?

  Cosmo snapped his fingers.

  — Good question! — He sat down, crossing his arms. — I want you to retrieve an ancient artifact hidden in that city.

  Erick tilted his head slightly.

  — Can you give us more details about this artifact?

  Cosmo laughed.

  — Well... actually, even I don't know what it looks like. That's why I want you to find it!

  Erick sighed, already expecting something like that from him.

  — Alright, we'll do our best and—

  — No, no. — Cosmo raised his hand to interrupt him. — Only two people will go on this mission.

  The group fell silent as he pointed directly at Lilith and Louis.

  — M-me...? — Louis widened his eyes, swallowing dryly.

  Erick stood up abruptly.

  — But, Captain, why only Louis and Lilith?!

  Rose also spoke up.

  — Yes, why?!

  Cosmo maintained his calm smile.

  — No objections. The decision has already been made.

  Erick looked at the others, hoping someone would protest, but everyone nodded silently, accepting the captain’s choice.

  With the meeting concluded, everyone began leaving the room. Louis, however, remained standing at the door for a moment.

  — Louis...

  Lilith was leaning against the nearby wall, watching him.

  — It's a bit scary, isn't it...? But... — She gently held his hands. — Everything will be fine... as long as we're together!

  She smiled warmly before stepping away and heading toward the stairs.

  Cosmo, who was also leaving the room, noticed Louis was still there.

  — Hm? Young Louis? Why haven’t you left yet?

  Hesitant, Louis lifted his eyes to him.

  — Captain... why did you choose me...?

  Cosmo smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder.

  — Because I believe in you, Louis.

  Those words brought an immediate sense of relief to Louis' heart. A wave of determination filled his chest.

  — Yes, Captain! — he responded with a radiant smile.

  After a long journey, Louis and Lilith finally arrived before the immense gates of Systella. The place was magnificent. Lush trees surrounded the entrance, spreading a fresh and natural aroma through the air. At the city center, a massive fountain poured crystalline water like a majestic waterfall.

  Systella was lively, bustling, and dazzling.

  — Incredible! — Lilith exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amazement.

  They moved forward, admiring every corner of the city. Everything was so beautiful and magical that Louis stopped before a garden, gazing at the crystalline flowers with a fascinated look.

  — Louis, look! — Lilith called out.

  He turned and saw a huge glowing flower. His eyes widened in awe at such beauty.

  After a long time exploring, the two walked through Systella's plaza, but now their expressions were downcast.

  — I can't believe we got lost... — Louis murmured, sighing.

  — You're going to pay for this!

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  They both stopped upon hearing an angry voice and looked ahead, where two people were arguing.

  — No, Fynt, wait!

  — Let go of me!

  The young man called Fynt pushed the man in front of him and continued walking, visibly irritated. On his way, he noticed Louis and, without hesitation, shoved him aside.

  — Get out of the way!

  Louis fell to the ground, and Lilith quickly ran to help him up, her face filled with concern.

  — Louis! Are you okay?!

  The other man approached and sighed, looking embarrassed.

  — I apologize for my friend’s behavior... — then, he noticed Louis and Lilith's clothes and widened his eyes. — Are you visitors?

  — Er... yes — Louis replied, still recovering. — But we got lost... Could you guide us around the city?

  The man smiled and nodded.

  — Of course, no problem!

  — Thank you very much, sir...?

  — Mak. You can call me Mak!

  Louis nodded.

  — Alright!

  A little while later, Louis and Lilith walked alongside Mak, who guided them through the city. He took them to various tourist spots while explaining each one.

  — This is the Grand Aquarium! — he said, pointing to a huge crystal-clear tank.

  — Wow! — the two exclaimed upon seeing a gigantic fish swimming inside.

  Lilith discreetly glanced at Louis from time to time. He seemed to be having a great time, which made her smile slightly.

  — That was amazing! — Louis said excitedly. — Systella is truly a wonderful place!

  Mak laughed, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

  — You're right! I can't wait to show you more amazing things!

  Louis furrowed his brow.

  — Ah, about that... We won’t be staying here for long...

  — What a shame... — Mak sighed, but soon smiled. — Well, how about coming to my house? It’s already getting dark, and I bet you haven’t found a place to stay yet!

  Louis tried to decline, but Mak insisted.

  — Alright... — Louis sighed, giving in.

  Mak smiled in satisfaction and led them to his house. The exterior was charming, with a beautiful crystalline garden beside it. As he opened the door, they saw someone sitting at the table, seemingly waiting for him.

  — You’re late again… hmpf. — the girl grumbled, crossing her arms.

  — Er… Mary… sorry. — Mak smiled awkwardly, feeling a drop of sweat run down his face. — How long have you been sitting there?

  Mary sighed, casting a disappointed glance at him.

  — Long enough… and I put so much effort into making dinner today… what a disappointment.

  Mary widened her eyes, noticing Louis and Lilith standing behind him.

  — You brought friends today?

  — Yes, they came from far away! Ah, I almost forgot, this is Mary, my girlfriend. Mary, these are Louis and Lilith. — he said, pointing at them.

  — It's a pleasure to meet you! — Lilith responded with a big smile.

  — They had nowhere to stay for the night, so I offered to help them!

  Mak placed his hand on Louis' shoulder, letting out a joyful laugh. Mary finally stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

  — I'll prepare some tea.

  A short time later, they were sitting at the table, with Louis and Lilith attentively listening to the stories being told.

  — And that’s how I got this amazing scar! — Mak said, showing the scar on his arm.

  — He and Fynt have always been so reckless since they were kids, always getting into trouble. — Mary commented, covering her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. — I always had to save them.

  Louis leaned forward, his curiosity evident.

  — You and Mr. Fynt seem to be such good friends. Why did he act that way toward you earlier?

  Mak fell silent for a moment, and Mary gently caressed his shoulder, comforting him.

  — He’s been acting like that since last year. — He gripped his cup tightly. — I tried talking to him, but he rejected me every time.

  The atmosphere grew tense, and Mak let out a long sigh.

  — But maybe he has his own reasons, so I won’t pressure him. — he said with a smile.

  — Oh, Mak, you’re always so kind. — Mary held his hand, intertwining their fingers.

  Louis and Lilith watched, a faint blush appearing on their faces before they quickly averted their gazes.

  Night soon fell. Louis walked up the stairs alongside Lilith, heading to the rooms Mak had chosen for them. As they climbed, Louis was deep in thought.

  — "The captain said the artifact is somewhere in this city… but so far, no clues."

  He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

  — "And I can’t tell Mak either… he’d misunderstand everything. Ahhh… why did the captain give us such a difficult mission?"

  Louis sighed, but then, a memory echoed in his mind: "Because I believe in you, Louis."

  His eyes sparkled with determination.

  — "Leave it to me, Captain…"

  Upon reaching his room, Lilith stopped beside him.

  — Well… good night. — she said softly before turning and entering her room.

  Louis watched her door for a moment before finally opening his own and stepping inside.

  The next morning, the four of them walked through the city. Mary and Mak guided them through the streets, passing by large houses until they stopped in front of a crystalline lake.

  — They say that if you touch the water and make a wish, it will come true! — Mak grinned. — Try it!

  Louis leaned forward, dipping his hand into the water. The sensation was unique—not warm, not cold, just soothing. He closed his eyes.

  — "I wish to become stronger…"

  He sighed, opening his eyes and standing up. Lilith repeated the gesture, making her own wish in silence.

  — So, what did you wish for? — Mary asked curiously.

  Lilith smiled mysteriously.

  — It’s a secret…

  They continued walking until Mak stopped upon seeing an elderly man calling out to him.

  — I’ll be right back. — he said before running toward the man.

  Louis furrowed his brow.

  — Who is he?

  — Adloph, one of the gatekeepers of Systella. If he came all the way here to speak with Mak, something must have happened… — Mary replied, concerned.

  Mak returned to them.

  — It seems the gate was damaged last night. They need my help to fix it… — he sighed, placing his hand on his head. — Well, duty calls!

  He hurried off.

  — Will he be okay? — Lilith asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

  — Mak is one of Systella’s most talented builders. There’s no job he can’t handl— — Mary started to say, but was abruptly interrupted.

  Mak returned in a rush, scratching his neck with an embarrassed smile.

  — Er… I forgot my tools… — He let out a sheepish laugh. — Could you help me get them?

  Before Mary could respond, Louis and Lilith stepped forward, almost in unison.

  — Please, let us help!

  Mak chuckled at their enthusiasm.

  — Alright, alright! You don’t mind, do you, Mary?

  Mary simply nodded, and Mak continued:

  — Great! Well… I left my tools with Jhyne yesterday. He works near the Grand Fountain.

  Louis and Lilith exchanged determined looks.

  — Leave it to us! — Louis said, adding in thought: "And it’ll also be a great chance to search for the artifact…"

  Mak then dashed off again, leaving them behind.

  — Well, I think I’ll prepare dinner for when he gets back. — Mary said, turning to leave. — Good luck, you two.

  With that, Lilith and Louis set off toward the Grand Fountain.

  After some time walking, they reached their destination. Beside it, there was a small bar. Louis stopped for a moment and read the sign next to the entrance.

  — "Jhyne’s Bar". I suppose this is the place.

  Lilith nodded. Louis grasped the doorknob and pushed the door open. The interior was spacious, with several people sitting at tables. A brief silence fell over the room as the customers cast curious glances at them. Swallowing hard, the two simply nodded and walked toward the counter.

  On the way, Louis accidentally bumped into someone and fell.

  — Ouch… — he murmured, rubbing his head. — I’m sorry, sir…

  But as he looked up, a shiver ran down his spine. The man before him wore a hood, his presence emanating an unusual aura. He smiled strangely and extended a hand to help him up.

  — You should pay more attention to where you're going, boy…

  Louis hesitated, instinctively stepping back.

  — Y-yes…

  Without saying another word, the man walked out the door. The relief was immediate, but the discomfort lingered.

  —"What was that...?"—he sighed, still staring at the door.

  —Louis!

  He turned and saw Lilith already at the counter, calling him. He walked over.

  Jhyne, the bartender, was cleaning a glass.

  —What brings you here?—he asked, setting the glass down on the counter.

  —We came to pick up the tools Mak forgot yesterday.

  —Hmm... Hold on a second...

  He bent down, searching under the counter. But before he could find them, the bar door opened again.

  Fynt entered, his face filled with irritation, and marched straight to the counter.

  —Hey, old man! Give me a glass of wine.

  Jhyne looked up, analyzing the man for a moment before sighing. Without a word, he handed the tools to Louis and crossed his arms.

  —Where are your manners, Fynt?—he said in a reprimanding tone.—Can't you ask a bit more politely?

  Fynt clicked his tongue, impatient.

  —Tch. I’m not in the mood for this right now. Just do as I said.

  He turned, and upon noticing Mak’s tools in Louis and Lilith’s hands, he narrowed his eyes.

  —Hand me those tools. Now.

  Louis hesitated.

  —We can’t. Mak entrusted us with this mission. We can’t just hand them over.

  Fynt’s expression darkened. In a sudden movement, he pushed off the counter and lunged at Louis, grabbing him by the neck. Before he could tighten his grip, the other men in the bar intervened, restraining him on the spot.

  —Louis, are you okay?!—Lilith knelt beside him, helping him up.

  Louis clutched his neck, coughing.

  —Y-Yeah...—he murmured, still breathless. —“ If they hadn’t held him back, I would have died... His strength is insane!”

  —Let me go, now!—Fynt roared, struggling against the men holding him.

  But no matter how hard he fought, their grip was unyielding. Then, everything around him began to darken. The environment dissolved into shadows, a cold mist forming on the ground.

  A voice emerged from the void, whispering, seductive.

  —...I see you’re troubled... I can help you...

  Fynt’s eyes widened, and he looked around, but he saw no one.

  —Who’s there?! Show yourself!

  —...I am the one who can grant you power... Power to take revenge on the one who destroyed your life...

  The mist thinned slightly, and before him, a black orb floated, emanating a sinister presence.

  —Just accept... and your wish shall be granted...

  Fynt stared at the orb, and then a twisted smile formed on his lips. He raised his hand, touching its surface. Instantly, black shadows began to crawl over his body, engulfing him completely.

  Outside, Louis and Lilith stepped back, feeling an overwhelming pressure fill the room. The men holding Fynt were thrown aside like ragdolls.

  Fynt rose, his eyes glowing with a dark hue. A crazed grin stretched across his face.

  —So this is the power of an Inverse...?

  He spread his arms wide, feeling the energy pulse. His aura exploded, shattering tables and chairs around him.

  —Amazing!

  —Fynt... what have you...?!

  Before Jhyne could finish his sentence, his head was severed with a single strike. His skull rolled across the counter, leaving a trail of blood.

  Fynt looked at his own hand, fascinated. A distorted laugh escaped his lips.

  —I’ve always hated you, old man...

  Then, he turned his gaze to Louis and Lilith.

  —Now... Where is he?

  Louis swallowed hard and stepped in front of Lilith, trying to hide the trembling in his hands.

  —W-We won’t tell you!

  Fynt sighed, bored.

  —Then die.

  The ground trembled violently as he raised his hand. A sharp energy blade shot toward Louis at an absurd speed.

  Erick was walking peacefully through the garden alongside Wally when he suddenly stopped abruptly.

  —Something wrong, Erick?—Wally asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  The young man placed a hand on his chest, frowning.

  —...Louis...—he murmured, feeling a tightness in his heart.