Mallronia City.
The City of Tomorrow.
Once, this grand city lay hidden deep within a sprawling mountain range, an unassuming gem nestled amidst the rocky peaks. Long ago, before it was known as Mallronia, it served as the beating heart of technology and infrastructure for Tempest Country, a nation renowned for its innovation and power.
But two centuries ago, during the reign of Taltaba's twelfth ruler, Tempest fell.
Its centuries-old legacy seemed to vanish overnight—wiped clean from history.
Or so the world believed.
In truth, four souls managed to escape the destruction of that fateful night: the King of Tempest and three of his most trusted knights. These warriors were known across the continent as the Archem Knights—an elite order whose members were so feared that entire armies were given a single standing order:
"Flee on sight. Do NOT, under any circumstances, engage."
And yet, even these legendary knights could not save their nation. Tempest was torn apart by vicious internal strife, the seeds of betrayal blooming within its royal court.
The king and his loyal knights fled into the mountains seeking refuge. But fate was cruel.
Unknowingly, they stumbled into the territory of a dormant Grade AA demonic beast. The monster awakened and devoured them, leaving only their restless spirits to wander the mountains forever.
Ironically, those same cursed mountains later became the foundation for Mallronia's rebirth.
Two wandering heroes—Saint Maria and Saint Happy—ventured deep into the mountains and emerged with forbidden knowledge: the secrets of SE manipulation. Armed with this power, they returned to the struggling city and transformed it.
Through their efforts, Mallronia rose from a desolate, poverty-stricken ruin into a beacon of hope and progress.
But their success came at a cost.
The Taltaba Federation, unwilling to lose control of the region, branded them traitors. Despite all their accumulated strength and knowledge, the two heroes could not stand against an entire nation. They were captured, chained, and publicly crucified, their names cursed by the Federation but revered by the people.
Even in death, Maria and Happy became symbols of defiance.
A great statue was erected in the heart of Mallronia to honor their sacrifice, a reminder to all citizens of the price of freedom.
---
Arrival at Mallronia
The Tekler screeched to a halt in front of a four-story building whose walls glimmered, reflecting every flicker of light like a jeweled mirror.
"Thank you," Lawrence said warmly as he hopped down from the vehicle. "It's been a pleasure traveling with you all."
Binturu, Itoyea, and Avery were already unloading crates of goods from the back of the Tekler, grunting as they stacked the merchant's wares.
Itekan and Rose lingered near the sparkling building. Rose was explaining why the walls shimmered the way they did when Korimer walked up, grinning.
"Don't overthink it," he said. "It's just part of the job."
Lawrence chuckled. "Speaking of which, your payment's already been sent ahead to your Headmaster. He'll distribute it when you return."
"That's good to hear," Korimer replied. "But before we go, do you know where we can find a guide to take us into the mountains? We're headed to the ruins."
"A guide?" Lawrence scratched his chin. "Hardly anyone goes up there these days except hunters. I do know a few trustworthy ones, though. I'll give one of them a call and let him know to expect you."
"That would be a great help," Rose said, bowing slightly.
"Yeah, thanks, merchant guy!" Itekan added with a wide grin.
Lawrence laughed. "It's nothing. Next time you're in Mallronia, give me a call."
With that, he waved goodbye and slipped inside his shop.
A few minutes later, the rest of the group returned from dropping off the goods.
"Alright!" Itekan shouted, throwing his hands up. "The next stage of our trip starts now!"
Kutote crossed his arms, unimpressed. "We spent three days just getting here. That leaves us only two to handle our business at the ruins."
"That's true," Rose admitted. "How quickly can we reach them?"
Kutote tapped his chin. "Two hours, give or take. The ruins are hidden deep within the mountains."
"And the guide?" Korimer asked.
"He'll meet us at the mountain's foot," Korimer confirmed. "Lawrence is setting it up."
"Good. Then what are we waiting for?" Itoyea said.
"Nothing at all!" Korimer grinned. "Let's move out!"
The seven of them boarded the Tekler once more, the engine humming as it carried them toward their next challenge.
---
The Hunter District
The city of Mallronia was surrounded by immense walls that cut into the mountains themselves. There were two routes to reach the mountain's base:
Exit the city and travel through a narrow valley, or Pass through the Hunter District, a section of the city built into the mountain's edge.
The group chose the latter.
Hunters were not like ordinary heroes. While they fought demonic beasts, their focus was on raiding dungeons and gathering SE Stones. Unlike city guardians, hunters had no obligation to save lives or protect towns. Many were selfish and arrogant, driven by profit rather than duty.
Their Tekler stopped outside a massive stone building—the Hunter Guild. Waiting for them was a towering, muscle-bound man with two massive battle axes strapped across his back.
"You must be the ones Law sent," the man rumbled. "A bunch of kids?"
"Kids!?" Itekan and Binturu shouted in unison, their faces red with indignation.
Kutote's eyes narrowed. "You're the guide Lawrence spoke of? You barely look capable of guiding yourself."
Itekan, Korimer, and Avery burst into laughter, snickering behind their hands.
The man's jaw tightened, but before he could retort, Itoyea stepped forward, his expression calm but sharp.
"Are you taking us to the ruins or not?"
"Yeah!" Itekan added, puffing out his chest. "With or without you, we're going!"
Korimer's laughter grew louder, almost uncontrollable now.
Rose sighed, unimpressed. "So this is Lawrence's 'trustworthy' contact. I expected someone… more competent."
The man growled but finally relented. "Alright! I'll take you brats there—only because Law asked me to."
"Good enough for me," Korimer said, smirking. "Let's get moving!"
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Spiritual Energy (SE)
Spiritual Sea (SS)
Spiritual Signature (SST)