Then, one day, Captain Jacobs summoned the entire scout squad, his expression grave as he delivered their new assignment.
A small village nestled on the shores of Loknezt Lake was being severely plagued by the appearance of a colossal and ferocious creature. According to the terrified accounts of the villagers, the monster possessed a long, serpentine body, a towering neck that rose high above the water's surface, and a wide maw filled with razor-sharp teeth that would occasionally erupt from the depths to attack any living thing that dared to venture too close to the shoreline.
Furthermore, the villagers could no longer catch any fish in the lake, and ominous rumors spread that the monster had devoured every living creature in its deep waters.
Upon reaching the small village and conducting a preliminary investigation of the area surrounding the lake, the scout team observed peculiar tracks left behind by the creature.
A long, deep groove stretched from the water's edge far onto the grassy bank, nearly three meters wide, as if a massive object had dragged itself from the depths. Surrounding the groove were patches of dried blood and strange indentations in the earth, lacking any consistent shape, as if parts of the monster's body had pressed down onto the soil.
Sophia knelt beside the bizarre markings, carefully examining every minute detail. After a moment of contemplation, she stated with firm conviction, "These are the tracks of a Dino Serpent. Based on the size of the groove and the indentations, it has an estimated length of eight to fifteen meters, possesses four large fins for underwater propulsion, and a neck between two and four meters long."
Lumos, a somewhat timid member of the team, asked incredulously, unable to fully believe what he had just heard, "Are you sure, Sophia?"
"I've seen illustrations of this species in the ancient library of the Estath Cathedral," Sophia explained, a knowledgeable glint in her eyes. "When I heard the villagers' descriptions of its form, I had a suspicion. Examining these tracks now, I can be ninety percent certain."
Daniel, another member of the team, frowned in puzzled contemplation. "These creatures usually live in packs, don't they? So why is there only one here?"
"Perhaps this one became separated from its pack and is trying to survive on its own in this small lake," Sophia offered a plausible hypothesis.
Henry scratched his head, a perplexed expression on his face. "But these Dino Serpents typically inhabit large lakes or vast oceans. So why would it appear in a tiny lake like Loknezt?"
Captain Jacobs spoke, his voice thoughtful. "It's highly possible that this creature was caught in a strong ocean current and inadvertently drifted through the complex network of underground caves beneath the surface until it reached this lake."
The entire team was taken aback by Jacobs's unexpected explanation. Underground caves? A worried thought flickered through each of their minds.
"There are really underground caves that large beneath us?" Torsan wondered aloud.
"Indeed. You might not know it, but Aerion itself, and most major capitals, are built above extremely large underground water systems and cave networks," Jacobs replied to Torsan.
An inexplicable unease suddenly washed over Henry. If there are such vast underground tunnels, could Aerion be vulnerable to a surprise attack from beneath?
Jacobs shook his head, attempting to dispel Henry's worry. "I've considered that possibility myself, but thankfully, these underground caves are all flooded and located at least several dozen meters below the surface. Aerion itself is built on land five hundred meters above these caverns. Furthermore, a powerful sensory barrier covers the entire area; any unusual vibrations beneath the ground would be detected immediately."
"But why build the capital above such massive underground water systems?" Melly inquired, her brow furrowed.
"It's not built above groundwater, but above the Lifestream," Sophia clarified.
"I'm not sure I understand," Henry pressed.
"All settlements in Tehra aren't built randomly. They're all situated above the Lifestream. The larger the stream, the easier it is to build a larger city. Small villages and towns are built on smaller branches of the Lifestream," Henry noted, absorbing another piece of valuable knowledge from Sophia.
"What does the Lifestream do for the cities, Sophia?" Melly asked curiously.
"We humans have a magical formation that can draw a small portion of the Lifestream's aether. This aether is very peculiar; no one can use it externally. The only way to utilize it is to place another formation on top of the energy-drawing one."
Sophia glanced around for a moment, as everyone continued to listen intently. She continued, "Large cities and capitals all have a protective formation that enhances their defensive capabilities. Smaller villages and towns have formations designed to ward off monsters. Thanks to these things, humans have been able to survive in Tehra and establish many new settlements every year."
"So what exactly is the Lifestream like? How do nations find and identify its location to establish settlements?" Henry wondered again.
Jacobs suddenly cleared his throat, his eyes flicking towards Henry with a warning glare. "Try to stay on topic, Henry."
Henry started, realizing he had been momentarily sidetracked. Sophia's information about the Lifestream had been strangely captivating, stirring an irresistible curiosity within him. For a brief moment, he had completely lost focus on their mission.
"So, our main mission is to eliminate this Dino Serpent?" Lumos asked, seeking confirmation, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
"It possesses power approaching Rank 4 and has a significant advantage underwater; we stand no chance in a direct confrontation," Daniel added worriedly.
"No, our mission is to help the village escape this threat, not to kill the monster at all costs," Jacobs quickly corrected Lumos's assumption, his gaze firm.
"Killing it would be an incredibly difficult task, but capturing it alive and moving it elsewhere would be exponentially harder," Daniel sighed, assessing the situation.
"As the Captain said, we're not going to take it down," Sophia stated, a spark of insight flickering in her eyes. "Our goal is simply to drive it back into the underground cave system that leads to the sea, and I know of something that will be very useful for this task."
Henry nodded, understanding Sophia's implication. "So, we need a detailed map of this area, especially the underground cave system."
Captain Jacobs delivered his final decision.
"I will immediately report the situation to Aerion and request the necessary documents, including the map of the underground caves. Everyone, get some rest and prepare yourselves. We'll convene tomorrow morning to formulate a concrete plan."
Henry once again expanded his Mystic Sense to its maximum range. This time, the emerald band of light was clearer than ever before; it no longer vanished, and he could sense its presence until he gradually reduced the scanning radius of his Mystic Sense.
It seemed that Henry's presence here was not merely a coincidence. He was unaware that from the day he and Sophia had defeated the Dark Reaper, he had officially become a pawn in the game of destiny.
As evening descended, the entire village glowed with the soft light of luminescent stones, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The village was small; thirty stones were enough to illuminate the entire area. Henry and Sophia strolled leisurely along a gravel path, the cool night air carrying the faint scent of vegetation. They found a grassy patch near the lake shore, where the water reflected the starlit sky like a giant mirror.
Unburdened by the dense magical lights and intricate structures of the city, the sky here was vast and magical, like an immense dome encompassing them. Countless sparkling stars stretched endlessly, each constellation appearing clearer than ever before.
Henry lit a small bonfire, the dancing flames reflecting in Sophia's amber eyes. He sat with his legs stretched out on the grass, while she lay with her head resting on his thigh, both lost in the tranquility of the moment.
"It's the same sky, but it looks so much wider and more dazzling here, doesn't it?" Sophia murmured softly, her voice as light as a breeze.
Henry looked down, gently taking her hand, the warmth from his palm causing her heart to flutter involuntarily.
"Do you want me to analyze this logically, or should we have a romantic conversation about it?" He smiled, lightly pressing a kiss to her hand.
"I didn't know you had such a knack for romantic surprises. So, try to make me dream a little!" Sophia giggled.
Henry paused for a moment in thought, then spoke in a warm, deep voice, "In East Aerion, we never had the chance to be together so leisurely. The space out here is more open, our moods are better, so we perceive the sky as more beautiful."
"Is that your idea of a romantic conversation? I thought you were going to say it's because we're in love that everything looks more dazzling. Then you'd point out a few constellations, tell me their meanings, and then flatter me with sweet words, saying I'm even more beautiful than the stars in the night sky!" Sophia frowned, pouting slightly.
Henry laughed heartily, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I thought I surprised you exactly as requested?"
"Hmph, who asked for this kind of surprise! Why do you always tease me? Can't you be a little gentler and more doting?" She nestled her head against his chest like a petulant kitten.
Henry chuckled softly, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead, then sliding down to her lips. His kiss was gentle yet possessive, as if cherishing delicate petals.
The silent night draped the countryside in a mystical black velvet curtain, studded with countless stars like precious jewels scattered across the celestial canvas. The chirping of insects mingled with the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, carrying the scent of wild grass and the dampness of the nearby lake.
The romantic atmosphere ignited intense emotions. Initially, the kiss was a tender invitation, but then, their breaths mingled, the air between them growing warmer. Sophia felt Henry's heartbeat quicken, losing its usual steadiness.
She drew back slightly, her gaze wavering. Part of her wanted to lose herself in the moment, but another part hesitated. Henry looked directly into her eyes, his gaze not just filled with longing but also with reverence, as if awaiting her consent.
"Henry..." Sophia whispered softly, but before she could finish her sentence, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I know what you're thinking," his voice deepened, tinged with a hint of urgency.
The hesitation within Sophia quickly dissolved in the warmth of his embrace. She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her body tightly against his. That was all Henry needed.
He immediately tightened his embrace, holding her as if afraid she would vanish. His lips claimed hers once more, this time no longer gentle but possessive, deeply yearning. Their breaths intertwined, Sophia felt her chest as if it were burning, a soft tremor spreading through her body.
He pulled her to her feet, his hands gripping her waist, drawing her close. Sophia felt a warmth seeping through her clothes, spreading across the skin where Henry's hands touched. She didn't resist, allowing Henry to lead, feeling his lips claim hers with fervent desire.
Henry's strong hands slid down her spine, feeling the soft curve of Sophia's body beneath her clothes. With a gentle tug, the fabric slipped down her bare shoulder, revealing her smooth skin in the soft moonlight.
Sophia gasped softly, her eyes hazy as she met Henry's gaze. His eyes, deep as an abyss, reflected the flickering firelight and an intense, uncontainable emotion.
He drew her back towards a large tree, her back pressing against its cool bark, his breath warm against her neck. His kisses trailed down her collarbone, then gently slid lower, inch by inch, slowly savoring her softness that made her tremble.
"Do you know… we're outside?" Sophia whispered, her voice lost in her ragged breaths.
Henry chuckled softly, the sound gentle and alluring. "So, do you want me to stop?"
She didn't answer, only reaching up to embrace his neck, pulling him down, a silent consent.
Henry understood, lifting his head to claim her lips once more. This time, he no longer held back. His kiss was fervent, urgent, filled with passion. Henry lowered his hands, placing them beneath her thighs, then lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
Sophia startled, her legs instinctively wrapping tightly around his waist, her hands clinging to his broad, sturdy shoulders. Her back pressed against the cool tree trunk, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from Henry's body.
He held her tightly, one hand supporting her thighs, the other caressing every inch of her skin, feeling her small tremors beneath his touch.
Each time he tightened his embrace, pressing her closer against the tree, she trembled, clutching him tighter, her ragged breaths mingling with the rustling of the leaves above.
The gentle lapping of the lake against the shore provided a soft rhythm, seemingly in sync with their movements. A cool breeze drifted by, carrying the faint scent of earth and leaves, but nothing could quell the burning heat between them.
"I hate you…." Sophia murmured, lightly biting his shoulder.
"And I love you like this…." Henry whispered softly in her ear, his voice thick with desire.
Sophia was no longer lucid enough to reply. She could only bury her face in his neck, clinging to him tighter, feeling his strong movements that made her feel as though she were melting, her entire body adrift.
In the silent space, only ragged breaths, pounding hearts, and the endless starry sky silently witnessed the inseparable union of the two. A profound sense of peace and deep connection spread between them. But that peace was only the fleeting calm before the storm.