《The Madness of Yilheim》 Chapter 1: Prelude on Earth The sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, casting warm golden light over the desks. Valerius Delindor sat near the back, gazing out the window with a faraway look in his eyes. The droning voice of his chemistry teacher was just background noise, barely registering. ¡°Valerius Delindor,¡± the teacher¡¯s sharp voice rang out, cutting through his haze. Valerius blinked, snapping out of his daydream. ¡°Uh¡­ yes?¡± The teacher folded her arms, a smug smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Since you¡¯re clearly paying so much attention, perhaps you¡¯d like to explain the reaction we just discussed?¡± A ripple of laughter moved through the class, but Valerius didn¡¯t miss a beat. He leaned back in his chair, smirking. ¡°Sure. When hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, you get water and sodium chloride. Neutralization. Simple stuff.¡± The teacher¡¯s expression tightened, and the class murmured in approval. ¡°Show-off,¡± Ryan muttered, elbowing him playfully. Valerius chuckled, whispering back, ¡°What can I say? Genius can¡¯t be hidden.¡± --- After school, the courtyard buzzed with students eager to head home. Valerius and Ryan strolled toward the gates when a growing commotion caught their attention. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ryan asked, craning his neck to see over the crowd. ¡°No clue,¡± Valerius replied. ¡°Let¡¯s find out.¡± As they pushed through the throng, Valerius immediately spotted the source of the commotion. Towering over the students stood Eryndor Delindor, his commanding presence drawing every eye. At 8¡¯4¡±, his height alone was intimidating, but his striking features added to the effect. His tailored black jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and his long, dark hair framed a face so perfectly symmetrical it looked otherworldly. His piercing gray eyes scanned the crowd with quiet authority. Valerius groaned. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s him.¡± The whispers began immediately. ¡°Who is that guy?¡± ¡°He¡¯s so tall... and gorgeous.¡± ¡°Is he famous or something?¡± Eryndor¡¯s gaze fell on Valerius, and he raised his hand in a gesture that demanded his younger brother approach. But before Valerius could move, a group of girls surrounded him. ¡°Valerius, is that your brother?!¡± one asked, wide-eyed. ¡°You look just like him!¡± another exclaimed. Valerius sighed, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Uh, yeah, I guess¡ª¡± Ryan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of the circle. ¡°Let¡¯s go, you facially endowed bastard,¡± he muttered, his tone half-annoyed, half-amused. Valerius laughed as they broke free. ¡°Jealousy doesn¡¯t suit you, Ryan.¡± Ryan rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever. Just go home with your ridiculously tall and handsome brother already.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do.¡± ---You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Eryndor¡¯s sleek black motorcycle gleamed in the afternoon sun. The rumble of its powerful engine turned heads as Valerius climbed onto the back. As they wove through traffic, pedestrians stopped to stare, some even snapping photos. ¡°Don¡¯t these people have anything better to do than stare?¡± Valerius muttered. ¡°Admiration is but the natural consequence of excellence,¡± Eryndor replied, his tone smooth and refined. ¡°Let them marvel¡ªit is all they can do.¡± Valerius rolled his eyes. ¡°Do you have to talk like that all the time?¡± Eryndor smirked. ¡°Would you have me lower my standards to blend with mediocrity? Perish the thought.¡± Valerius groaned. ¡°You¡¯re insufferable.¡± --- The moment they stepped into the house, Ziraiah¡¯s voice rang out like a battle cry. ¡°You used my hairbrush to clean your shoes, didn¡¯t you?!¡± Before Valerius could respond, Ziraiah stormed into the hallway. At 5¡¯9¡±, she was tall and graceful, her auburn hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Her emerald-green eyes, typically warm, were blazing with fury. ¡°What? No!¡± Valerius protested. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me! Eryndor would never do something so disgusting, so it had to be you!¡± Without warning, she launched herself at him, delivering a flying kick to his face. Valerius stumbled back, clutching his nose. ¡°Ziraiah!¡± he yelled. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?!¡± As she moved in to attack again, Eryndor intercepted her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off the ground with ease. ¡°Calm yourself, Ziraiah,¡± Eryndor said, his tone calm but firm. ¡°This unbecoming display of wrath serves no purpose.¡± ¡°Let me go, you big oaf!¡± Ziraiah yelled, struggling in his arms. ¡°I need to teach him not to mess with me!¡± Eryndor sighed. ¡°Your temper is as fiery as your hair, but alas, it lacks refinement.¡± Before Ziraiah could retort, Lyriana¡¯s voice echoed from upstairs. ¡°All three of you, to my room. Now.¡± --- Lyriana stood by the window, her tall, regal frame silhouetted against the evening light. At 9¡¯4¡±, she carried herself with a presence that demanded respect. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves, and her sharp, symmetrical features radiated both authority and warmth. ¡°You three are utterly insufferable,¡± she said as her children entered. ¡°But perhaps this gives me the perfect reason to tell you what I¡¯ve been keeping from you.¡± Eryndor straightened. ¡°Will you be teaching them Bravo, Mother?¡± Valerius frowned. ¡°Wait, you already know about this?¡± Lyriana sighed. ¡°No, Eryndor. They are not ready for Bravo. First, they must understand our history.¡± She stepped closer, her gaze softening. ¡°You are Delindors. Our family has carried a legacy of extraordinary power for generations. Bravo is an energy fueled by willpower, one that strengthens the body and mind. But it is more than that¡ªit is a responsibility.¡± Ziraiah hesitated. ¡°So¡­ we can use it too?¡± ¡°In time,¡± Lyriana replied. ¡°But for now, focus on understanding the weight of who you are. That will matter more than anything.¡± --- At the dinner table, Lyriana gestured to Eryndor. ¡°Ery, will you lead us in prayer?¡± ¡°With pleasure, Mother,¡± Eryndor said, bowing his head. ¡°Bless this meal and the hands that prepared it. May it fortify us as we strive to uphold the Delindor name.¡± As soon as the prayer ended, Valerius grabbed his plate, piling it high and eating with his hands. Eryndor gave him a disapproving look. ¡°Must you persist in these barbaric habits, Valerius? Use the proper utensils.¡± Valerius sighed, waving the fork and knife in the air. ¡°There. Happy?¡± Lyriana chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s good to see some things never change.¡± --- That night, as the house fell silent, Valerius crept into Ziraiah¡¯s room. She lay sound asleep, her breathing soft and even. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he uncapped a marker and began to draw on her face. He stepped back to admire his handiwork¡ªa masterpiece of ridiculous doodles¡ªbefore sneaking back to his room. ¡°Revenge is sweet,¡± he whispered, chuckling to himself as he crawled into bed. --- At exactly 7:00 a.m., Valerius was jolted awake by the sound of distant screams. He sat up, his heart pounding, as a deep, crimson hue painted the sky. The ground trembled violently beneath him. ¡°What the hell?¡± he muttered, rushing out of his room. Eryndor and Ziraiah met him in the hallway, their expressions tense. They hurried to their mother¡¯s room, where Lyriana stood at the window, her face grim. A news broadcast played on the television, showing images of chaos: buildings crumbling, people vanishing, and the same red sky enveloping the world. ¡°It¡¯s happening,¡± Lyriana said, her voice low. ¡°Sooner than I expected.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Ziraiah asked, her voice trembling as she clung to her mother¡¯s arm. Lyriana turned to them, her eyes fierce. ¡°You must leave. Now.¡± ¡°What do you mean, leave?!¡± Valerius demanded. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving you!¡± Lyriana pulled them into a tight embrace. ¡°You¡¯re Delindors. Now and forever. Survive. Together.¡± As the house crumbled around them, the siblings felt a strange sensation coursing through their bodies. Their vision blurred, and their mother¡¯s voice was the last thing they heard. Chapter 2: Arrival on Yilheim The transition was violent. Valerius felt his body being yanked, twisted, and stretched as if he were caught in a raging whirlpool. His lungs burned, his mind screamed for relief¡ªand then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. Valerius hit the ground hard, jagged rocks scraping his hands and knees. He groaned, coughing as he struggled to lift his head. Around him, the world was unrecognizable. The sky above was painted in swirling purples and fiery reds, dominated by two massive moons that loomed ominously overhead. Jagged cliffs and glowing plants dotted the rugged landscape, casting eerie shadows. ¡°Where¡­ are we?¡± Ziraiah¡¯s trembling voice broke through the silence. She lay a few feet away, her emerald-green eyes wide with fear as she took in the alien surroundings. Her dark, silky hair, streaked with dirt, framed her youthful face. Though her light brown complexion still radiated her natural beauty, the fear in her expression made her seem far younger. Valerius sat up, wincing as he dusted himself off. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re in Kansas anymore¡­¡± Eryndor stood nearby, already on his feet, his towering 8¡¯4¡± frame casting a long shadow over them. His chiseled features and dark, neatly groomed hair gave him an air of regal confidence, even in the face of the unknown. His green eyes¡ªpiercing and unyielding¡ªscanned the horizon with quiet intensity. ¡°It seems, dear siblings,¡± Eryndor began, his deep voice calm yet authoritative, ¡°that we have been transported far beyond the bounds of Earth. This realm¡­ is not of our world.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks, Captain Obvious,¡± Valerius muttered as he stood, brushing off his scraped knees. Around them, thousands of people were scattered across the rocky terrain. Some sat in shock, while others argued or shouted, their panic mounting. Then it hit them. A sharp, searing pain tore through their heads, making all three siblings clutch their temples. Valerius fell to his knees, gritting his teeth as an unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim, young ones. I am Yelleen, and I shall be your guide.¡± Valerius froze, looking around wildly. ¡°What the hell? Who said that?¡± Ziraiah whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Am I¡­ am I hearing things?¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained calm, though his green eyes narrowed in thought. ¡°A voice within our minds¡­ intriguing. Continue, unseen herald.¡± For the three siblings, the voice was clear and distinct, but around them, the other Earthers seemed to react differently. They stared at glowing panels that had materialized before their eyes, their expressions ranging from confusion to terror. It seemed Yelleen¡¯s voice was meant only for the siblings; the others were left to read her words. ¡°For the one million of you brought here,¡± Yelleen continued, her tone smooth and deliberate, ¡°I am your guide. Your survival depends on listening to what I tell you.¡± The other Earthers erupted into chaos. ¡°What is this place?¡± ¡°Why are we here?¡± ¡°Send us back!¡± The siblings, however, received a far more personal message. Yelleen¡¯s voice grew softer, almost affectionate as she addressed them directly.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°You three¡­ I have waited for you. You are unlike the others.¡± Eryndor raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. ¡°Pray tell, what sets us apart from the masses?¡± Yelleen¡¯s tone carried a tinge of amusement. ¡°In time, you will understand. For now, survive.¡± --- The chaos among the Earthers quickly escalated. Arguments turned to shoving, and desperation gave way to violence as people scrambled to assert dominance. ¡°Hey, you!¡± a burly teenager shouted, pointing at Valerius. ¡°You look like you know what''s going on. Tell me how to get out of here!¡± Valerius frowned, his green eyes narrowing. ¡°Do I look like I have a map or something?¡± The teenager advanced, flanked by two others. ¡°Don¡¯t play smart with me. You three look so calm--- you know something! spill it!¡± Before Valerius could respond, Eryndor stepped forward, his imposing frame cutting an intimidating figure. His calm, authoritative voice carried across the tension. ¡°I would strongly advise against such folly,¡± he said smoothly, his tone almost polite. ¡°My brother may lack sophistication, but his fists are far from forgiving.¡± The teenager hesitated, clearly unnerved by Eryndor¡¯s height and composed demeanor. But one of his friends, fueled by anger, lunged at Valerius. Reacting instinctively, Valerius sidestepped the attack and delivered a solid punch to the attacker¡¯s gut. The teenager crumpled to the ground, wheezing. ¡°Still wanna try me?¡± Valerius asked, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. The other two backed off, dragging their friend with them. Eryndor smirked faintly, his green eyes glinting in the alien moonlight. ¡°Crude, yet effective. Though, dear brother, I must urge you to refine your technique. Precision is the hallmark of a true warrior.¡± Valerius rolled his eyes. ¡°Yeah, yeah, thanks for the lecture.¡± --- The siblings moved away from the chaotic crowd, seeking refuge in a rocky outcrop. As the alien moons bathed the land in an eerie glow, they managed to gather enough materials to build a small fire. The warmth brought little comfort, as the foreign landscape seemed to watch them in silence. A low, guttural growl shattered the quiet. Ziraiah froze, clutching Valerius¡¯s arm. ¡°Did¡­ did you hear that?¡± Eryndor¡¯s eyes scanned the darkness. ¡°We are not alone.¡± From the shadows emerged a massive, wolf-like creature. Its jet-black fur seemed to drink in the light, and its glowing red eyes burned with predatory intent. Spikes jutted from its back, glinting like obsidian. ¡°That¡­ does not look friendly,¡± Valerius muttered, gripping a nearby branch. The wolf snarled and lunged at Ziraiah. Eryndor moved with blinding speed, shoving her out of the way and taking the brunt of the attack. The force knocked him back, but he stood firm, his broad shoulders bracing against the onslaught. ¡°Valerius! Ziraiah! Move!¡± he commanded, his voice sharp and unwavering. Valerius swung the branch with all his strength, but it splintered uselessly against the wolf¡¯s side. ¡°This is bad,¡± he muttered. ¡°Really bad.¡± Eryndor grabbed a jagged rock and slammed it into the wolf¡¯s head. The creature howled in pain, staggering back. Valerius tackled it from the side, pinning it down with all his weight. Ziraiah, trembling but determined, grabbed another rock and bashed the wolf repeatedly until it stopped moving. Bloodied and exhausted, the siblings collapsed onto the ground. ¡°That,¡± Valerius panted, ¡°was insane.¡± Eryndor adjusted his jacket, his green eyes calm despite the ordeal. ¡°Insane, yes. But necessary. Strength and unity are paramount in this world.¡± --- Later that night, the siblings sat around the fire, their exhaustion evident. The adrenaline from the wolf attack had faded, leaving them in heavy silence. Eryndor leaned back against a rock, his piercing green eyes reflecting the flames. After a long pause, he spoke. ¡°So, Ziraiah,¡± he said with a faint smirk, ¡°how long do you plan on retaining that facial decoration?¡± Ziraiah blinked, then groaned as realization hit her. ¡°Damn you, Val!¡± she yelled, tackling her brother. Eryndor watched with mild amusement as Ziraiah pummeled Valerius with her fists. ¡°This,¡± he remarked dryly, ¡°is unbecoming of a lady.¡± When Ziraiah finally tired herself out, she sat on Valerius¡¯s chest, tears welling in her eyes. ¡°Are we never gonna see Mom again? Are we stuck here, Val?¡± Valerius¡¯s grin faded. He pulled her into a tight embrace. ¡°Everything will work out. I promise.¡± Eryndor, watching them, clenched his fists. ¡°I will protect you,¡± he thought. ¡°I must.¡± As Ziraiah drifted off to sleep, Eryndor stood watch over them, his resolve stronger than ever. --- Chapter 3: Survival Yilheim was a world of harsh beauty and alien terror. Its alien landscape was both mesmerizing and terrifying, filled with strange sights and sounds that reminded the siblings they were far from home. Every breath felt heavier, every step more arduous, as they ventured deeper into the unknown. --- The air pressed against their lungs, thicker than what they were used to on Earth. Every inhalation felt like dragging water into their chests, leaving them fatigued far quicker than they expected. Valerius stopped mid-step, doubling over and panting. ¡°Why... is the air... trying to kill us?¡± he wheezed, leaning on his knees for support. Eryndor¡¯s tall frame remained steady as he surveyed the terrain. ¡°It is not the air, Valerius, but rather our untrained bodies struggling to adapt. We must endure.¡± Ziraiah sat on a nearby rock, clutching her makeshift spear. ¡°Yeah, sure. Endure. Easy to say when you¡¯re not about to pass out.¡± Before Eryndor could reply, a low voice spoke from ahead. ¡°It¡¯s because the air is saturated with Vitalis.¡± The siblings immediately tensed, their eyes darting to the towering figure emerging from the shadows. At 9¡¯11¡±, Kaelan Dravik was an imposing sight. His broad shoulders and sharp green eyes gave him an air of authority, and his confident stride spoke of experience. He looked at them curiously, his voice steady. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡± --- Valerius straightened, forcing a grin despite the ache in his chest. ¡°Name¡¯s Lerius. These are my siblings, Eryndor and Ziraiah.¡± Kaelan crossed his arms, his gaze lingering on each of them before he nodded. ¡°Kaelan Dravik. And yeah, I can tell. You¡¯re half the size of most people here.¡± Ziraiah frowned, her emerald-green eyes narrowing. ¡°Half the size? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Kaelan smirked faintly. ¡°People here call your kind ¡®Earthers.¡¯ You¡¯re smaller, weaker, and always staring at thin air like there¡¯s something there.¡± The siblings exchanged a glance, their thoughts immediately going to the panels only they could see. Before they could respond, Kaelan continued. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter where you came from. Yilheim doesn¡¯t care. If you want to survive, you¡¯ll need to learn fast.¡± Valerius tilted his head, his curiosity outweighing his irritation. ¡°You seem to know a lot. What¡¯s the deal with this air?¡± Kaelan leaned against a boulder, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°The air here is heavy with Var. It¡¯s what fuels this world¡ªwhat makes it different from anywhere else. You¡¯ll get used to it, but not easily.¡± Ziraiah hesitated. ¡°And the water? We¡¯ve been looking, but...¡± Kaelan sighed, walking over to a nearby plant with wide, spiral-patterned leaves. ¡°See this? These plants store clean water in their roots. Slice them open, and you¡¯ll have something to drink. But be careful¡ªmost plants here are designed to kill.¡± Valerius stepped forward, curiosity flickering in his green eyes. ¡°Kill? Like how?¡± Kaelan pointed to a plant with bright red flowers nearby. ¡°That one emits a sweet smell to lure in prey. Once you¡¯re close enough, the vines lash out and drag you in. Trust me, you don¡¯t want to find out the hard way.¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Ziraiah shuddered, clutching her spear tighter. ¡°Great. This place really is trying to kill us.¡± Kaelan nodded, his expression unflinching. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim.¡± --- As they made their way further into the wilderness, Valerius and Ziraiah began speaking in English, discussing their next steps. Kaelan¡¯s sharp ears caught the unfamiliar sounds, and he frowned. ¡°What language is that? I¡¯ve never heard it before.¡± Valerius shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s called English. We¡¯re from a place very, very far away, so you wouldn¡¯t know it.¡± Kaelan nodded slowly, his curiosity evident but unspoken. ¡°I see.¡± He didn¡¯t pry further, his focus returning to the path ahead. Ziraiah glanced at her brother. ¡°Wait a second... how are we even able to understand him? And why are we speaking this... Stern?¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice rang out in their minds. ¡°That would be because Stern, the common language of Yilheim, has been embedded into your minds. Communication is essential for your survival.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Well, that¡¯s convenient. Thanks, Yelleen.¡± Eryndor¡¯s tone was measured as always. ¡°It is yet another reminder that we are bound to forces beyond our understanding.¡± --- The group came across a grove of peculiar plants, their bulbous fruits glowing faintly in the dim light. Valerius¡¯s stomach growled loudly as he reached for one of the fruits, but Yelleen¡¯s voice rang out sharply in his mind. ¡°Stop, Valerius. That fruit is highly poisonous.¡± Valerius froze, his hand inches from the fruit. ¡°Seriously? It looks fine to me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Yelleen said firmly. ¡°Yilheim¡¯s flora is dangerous. You cannot trust appearances.¡± Kaelan noticed Valerius hesitate and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Thinking about eating that? Let me save you the trouble¡ªit¡¯ll kill you.¡± Valerius sighed, stepping back from the plant. ¡°Great. Back to starving.¡± Eryndor¡¯s calm voice broke the tension. ¡°We will find sustenance. Patience, Valerius.¡± --- As they continued their journey, the group suddenly froze as a low growl rumbled through the air. A massive wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes locked onto them. Its jagged claws dug into the ground as it crouched, ready to strike. Ziraiah¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°What... what is that?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Your first trial.¡± The creature lunged, and chaos erupted. Eryndor moved with precision, using a branch to block the creature¡¯s claws. Valerius attacked from the side, using his makeshift weapon to distract it, while Ziraiah stabbed at it with her spear. Kaelan¡¯s movements were swift and deliberate, his experience evident as he landed a heavy blow on the creature¡¯s side. Despite their combined efforts, the wolf wasn¡¯t easily defeated. It slashed at Ziraiah, forcing Valerius to shield her, and knocked Eryndor off his feet with a swipe of its tail. Finally, Kaelan delivered a crushing strike to its head, causing the creature to stagger and retreat into the shadows. As the group caught their breath, Kaelan nodded. ¡°You held your own. Not bad for players.¡± --- Not long after their encounter with the predator, the group came across a small clearing surrounded by jagged rocks. A group of five players emerged, their weapons crude but their desperation palpable. ¡°Hey, you!¡± one of them shouted. ¡°What do you have? Food? Supplies?¡± Kaelan stepped forward, his towering frame radiating authority. ¡°Move along. You don¡¯t want trouble.¡± The group hesitated, but one player stepped forward, feigning friendliness. ¡°We¡¯re just trying to survive. Maybe we can work together?¡± Eryndor¡¯s sharp gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Your deception is transparent.¡± The player smirked, signaling his group to attack. Chaos ensued as the siblings defended themselves. Valerius used his branch like a staff, Ziraiah wielded her spear with surprising precision, and Eryndor fought with calculated strikes. Kaelan moved with ease, disarming one attacker and scattering the rest. As the defeated players retreated, Kaelan shook his head. ¡°I told you. Don¡¯t trust anyone.¡± --- That night, the siblings sat around a small fire, the alien moons casting a faint glow over their makeshift camp. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling of flames. Ziraiah¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll ever see Earth again? Mom?¡± Valerius leaned back, his grin softening. ¡°Of course, Ziraiah. We¡¯re Delindors, remember? We¡¯ll figure this out.¡± Ziraiah looked at him, tears welling in her green eyes. ¡°What if we don¡¯t?¡± Eryndor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°Fear is natural, Ziraiah. But it must not consume you. Together, we will endure.¡± Kaelan watched the siblings quietly, a flicker of something unspoken in his expression. Finally, he stood. ¡°You¡¯ve got a long road ahead. There¡¯s a town not far from here. If you make it, you might survive a little longer.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence.¡± Kaelan¡¯s gaze lingered on them for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the darkness. --- Chapter 4: The Desperate Run The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting long shadows over the forest floor. The air was heavy, damp from the morning dew, and filled with an eerie quietness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Valerius yawned, stretching his arms as he got to his feet. ¡°So, Kaelan really left us, huh? I thought we made a good team.¡± Ziraiah rubbed her eyes, her expression a mix of worry and annoyance. ¡°Yeah, well, not everyone is as reckless as you. He probably didn¡¯t want to stick around and babysit.¡± Eryndor, already standing and surveying their surroundings with a regal calmness, interrupted. ¡°We can ill afford to linger on his absence. Our survival now rests entirely on our shoulders. Let us press forward before the dangers of the forest awaken.¡± Valerius smirked, tossing a pebble into the nearby brush. ¡°Always so serious, big bro. You should try loosening up¡ªit¡¯s a great stress reliever.¡± Ziraiah giggled before the sound of Yelleen¡¯s voice silenced them. ¡°Head northwest. Follow the rising sun. There¡¯s a town three days from here. If you survive.¡± The weight of her words hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Valerius¡¯s grin faded slightly. ¡°Well, nothing like a little motivation to get us going. Let¡¯s move.¡± --- As they trudged forward, the forest revealed its alien nature. Trees twisted in unnatural spirals, their leaves shimmering faintly as though infused with light. The ground beneath their feet was soft and spongy, giving a faint bounce with each step. Strange plants lined their path¡ªsome glowing faintly, others emitting odd, melodic hums. Valerius stopped by a bush with vibrant red berries, plucking one and holding it up to the light. ¡°Huh, looks edible. I¡¯ll give it a try¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Yelleen interjected sharply. ¡°That fruit is highly toxic. It will paralyze you within seconds and kill you within minutes.¡± Valerius froze, his grin faltering as he quickly tossed the berry away. ¡°Good to know.¡± Eryndor shot him a disapproving glance. ¡°Valerius, refrain from indulging your impulsiveness. It is unbecoming.¡± Ziraiah snickered. ¡°That¡¯s a fancy way of saying stop being dumb.¡± The three pressed on, their stomachs rumbling in protest. They scoured the area for water and food, finding a peculiar tree with thick, green stalks filled with liquid. At Yelleen¡¯s instruction, Eryndor split one open, revealing a clear liquid inside. ¡°Drink,¡± Yelleen advised. ¡°It¡¯s safe, and it will sustain you for now.¡± The siblings each took a sip, relief washing over their faces as the refreshing liquid soothed their parched throats. --- By mid-morning, the forest opened up to reveal a wide, roaring river. The water surged with force, its surface glinting in the sunlight like shattered glass. Ziraiah groaned. ¡°Great. How are we supposed to cross this?¡± Eryndor knelt by the bank, examining the current. ¡°The flow is too strong here. Perhaps upstream, we might find a gentler crossing. Alternatively, we construct a raft.¡± Valerius picked up a stick, dipping it into the water and watching as it was swept away. ¡°Yeah, no thanks. I¡¯m not getting swept out to sea.¡± Yelleen chimed in. ¡°Look for the large-leafed trees nearby. Their branches are buoyant and sturdy. Use them to build a raft.¡± The siblings worked together, gathering branches and vines. Eryndor tied them together with precision, Ziraiah fetched supplies, and Valerius hacked at the wood with a sharp rock to create a stable frame. After an hour of effort, their crude raft was complete. The crossing was treacherous. The raft swayed violently, the river threatening to tip them over with each surge. Eryndor¡¯s strength kept them anchored, and they finally reached the other side, soaked but alive. --- Their relief was short-lived. As they rested by the riverbank, a low, guttural growl echoed through the forest. Ziraiah froze, her eyes wide. ¡°What was that?¡± Valerius forced a chuckle. ¡°Probably just... a weird Yilheim bird.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice cut through, sharp and urgent. ¡°That¡¯s no bird. Move. Now.¡± Emerging from the shadows was a wolf-like predator, its eyes glowing red and its back lined with jagged, spiked protrusions. The beast let out a deafening roar, saliva dripping from its bared teeth. Eryndor stepped forward, calm but commanding. ¡°Ziraiah, behind me. Valerius, stay alert. This creature will not hesitate to kill.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The predator lunged, and the siblings broke into a sprint. The forest blurred around them as they ran, the creature¡¯s snarls growing louder behind them. Ziraiah tripped over a root, but Eryndor scooped her up effortlessly. ¡°You must not falter, Ziraiah. Your life depends on it.¡± Valerius grabbed a stick, turning briefly to swing it at the beast. ¡°Over here, you oversized mutt!¡± The stick broke on impact, barely phasing the predator. --- The siblings reached a steep incline, their breaths ragged. The predator was closing in, its glowing eyes locking onto its prey. Eryndor led the way up, using his strength to pull Ziraiah along when she struggled. Valerius stayed behind, grabbing loose rocks and hurling them at the beast. One rock hit the creature square in the eye, causing it to howl in pain and slow its pursuit. ¡°Nice shot!¡± Ziraiah shouted breathlessly. At the top of the incline, they found a narrow ledge leading to a dense thicket of trees. Valerius grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. ¡°I have an idea.¡± As the creature lunged again, Valerius stomped on the unstable ground, causing part of the ledge to collapse. The predator fell, landing on a lower ledge with a roar of frustration. For now, they were safe. --- Exhausted and battered, the siblings found a small clearing to rest. Ziraiah sat by the fire, hugging her knees. ¡°I hate this place.¡± Valerius plopped down beside her, forcing a grin. ¡°Yeah, but think of the stories we¡¯ll tell someday. ¡®Remember that time we got chased by a giant murder-wolf?¡¯¡± Eryndor stood watch, his green eyes scanning the darkness. ¡°Rest while you can. The worst may yet lie ahead.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice echoed softly in their minds. ¡°You¡¯ve survived another day. But Yilheim¡¯s true trials are just beginning.¡± Morning Breaks: The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, painting the ground with a soft, golden glow. Valerius, Ziraiah, and Eryndor rose from their makeshift camp, their muscles stiff and their minds weary. They exchanged brief glances, each silently dreading the unknown dangers that lay ahead. Eryndor adjusted the straps of his bag, his green eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet determination. "Let us press onward. The longer we linger, the greater the risk." Ziraiah sighed, brushing leaves from her jacket. "Another day of walking through this cursed forest? Wonderful," she muttered, her sarcasm failing to mask the exhaustion in her voice. Valerius stretched, a playful grin on his face. "Come on, Ziraiah. Think of it as an adventure. Maybe we¡¯ll find a friendly inn at the end of this trail¡­ with pancakes." Ziraiah shot him a glare. "Val, if I don¡¯t get real food soon, you¡¯ll be on the menu." Eryndor, as composed as ever, interjected. "Enough bickering. We have much ground to cover." His tone left no room for argument. --- The Warning: They had barely begun their journey when Yelleen''s voice echoed in their minds, her tone sharp and urgent. "Run. Now. Something is coming, and it¡¯s not slowing down." The siblings froze. The distant sound of snapping branches and guttural growls reached their ears. It was a sound that sent a chill down their spines. "What is that?" Ziraiah whispered, gripping her dagger tightly. Valerius¡¯s grin vanished, replaced by a look of unease. "Whatever it is, it doesn¡¯t sound like it wants to share pancakes." Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but commanding. "No time for wit, Valerius. Move!" The siblings broke into a sprint, the forest around them blurring as they dashed forward. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the snarling growls grew louder, closer. --- The First Hideout: Ahead, a narrow cave hidden behind dense vines caught Eryndor¡¯s attention. "There! Take cover!" he shouted, leading them toward the small opening. They squeezed inside, their breaths ragged. For a moment, silence enveloped them, save for the sound of their pounding hearts. "Think we lost them?" Valerius asked, trying to catch his breath. Yelleen¡¯s voice cut through the temporary relief. "Do not linger. These creatures can track you by scent. They won¡¯t stop until you¡¯re caught." As if on cue, the snarling resumed, louder and more menacing. Claws scraped against the cave entrance, and glowing eyes peered through the vines. "Fantastic," Ziraiah muttered, drawing her weapon. "We¡¯re trapped." Eryndor didn¡¯t hesitate. "No. We run." --- The Chase: The siblings bolted from the cave, the beasts hot on their trail. These creatures were unlike anything they had encountered before¡ªferal, four-legged monsters with glowing red eyes and jagged fangs. They moved with unnatural speed, tearing through the underbrush as if it were paper. "Why won¡¯t they stop?!" Valerius shouted, leaping over a fallen log. Eryndor, carrying Ziraiah¡¯s bag along with his own, replied steadily. "Questions can wait, Valerius. Focus on survival." Ziraiah, struggling to keep up, panted, "Eryndor¡­ Val¡­ I can¡¯t¡­" "Keep going!" Valerius urged, grabbing her hand briefly to pull her forward. --- Ziraiah Collapses: After hours of running, Ziraiah¡¯s legs gave out. She stumbled and fell to the ground, gasping for air. "I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ go on¡­" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Eryndor immediately stopped, turning back without hesitation. He reached her in moments, hoisting her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing. "Rest, Ziraiah. I shall carry you." Valerius, glancing back, saw the beasts closing in. "We don¡¯t have time for this!" Eryndor¡¯s reply was calm but firm. "Go ahead if you must, but I will not leave her." Valerius groaned but slowed his pace, staying close to his brother. "Fine. Let¡¯s just keep moving." --- The Final Stretch: The siblings emerged from the forest into a clearing. In the distance, the massive gates of the town loomed, a beacon of safety amidst the chaos. Relief washed over them, but the snarls behind them grew louder, more desperate. "The gate! We¡¯re almost there!" Valerius shouted, his voice tinged with both hope and exhaustion. Eryndor adjusted Ziraiah on his shoulder and quickened his pace, his breathing heavy but steady. Valerius stumbled slightly but forced himself to keep moving, his legs burning with every step. The horde surged forward, their glowing eyes and snapping jaws a terrifying reminder of the danger at their heels. --- The Town¡¯s Defense System: As they neared the gate, runes carved into the town¡¯s walls began to glow. A low hum filled the air, followed by a deafening roar as magical cannons mounted on the walls activated. Beams of energy shot out, decimating the front lines of the horde. The beasts howled in agony as the onslaught continued, reducing them to ash. The siblings collapsed just inside the gate, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Guards approached cautiously, their weapons at the ready. Eryndor gently set Ziraiah down, his expression unreadable but his movements careful. Valerius sprawled on the ground, gasping for air. "We made it¡­ somehow¡­" Ziraiah, still weak, managed a small smile. "Thank you¡­ both of you¡­" Eryndor placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well, Ziraiah. Rest now." The gates closed behind them with a resounding thud, shutting out the horrors of the forest. For the first time in days, the siblings were safe¡ªif only for a moment. Chapter 5: Mystvir’s Gates The massive gates of Mystvir loomed ahead, their intricate carvings visible even through the fading light of the setting sun. The siblings stumbled forward, their bodies battered and near breaking. Ziraiah, her face streaked with dirt and sweat, barely lifted her head as they crossed into safety. Behind them, the magic cannons roared one final time, decimating the last of the pursuing beasts. Ziraiah collapsed onto her knees, panting heavily. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere. Eryndor knelt beside her, his massive frame casting a shadow over her as he rested a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You can rest now, Ziraiah,¡± he said softly, his voice as elegant and steady as always. Valerius, still catching his breath, turned to one of the guards stationed near the gates. ¡°What the heck were those things that shot the beasts down?¡± he asked, gesturing toward the towering structures lining the walls. The guard, a burly man with a stern face, smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve never seen magic cannons before? Where¡¯ve you been living, under a rock?¡± Valerius crossed his arms, a lopsided grin forming on his face. ¡°Something like that. So, they¡¯re magic?¡± The guard nodded, motioning toward the cannon towers. ¡°Aye. Powered by runes. Each one¡¯s etched by the best inscriptionists in Mystvir. They can take down just about anything short of a full-scale stampede.¡± Ziraiah, still catching her breath, managed to glance up at the cannons. ¡°Magic cannons¡­¡± she murmured, awe creeping into her voice. Val chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Magic exists here too, huh? Guess this place is full of surprises.¡± The guard gave them a wary look. ¡°You lot are smaller than most folks around here. You¡¯re Earthers, aren¡¯t you?¡± Eryndor¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°And if we are?¡± The guard shrugged, leaning on his spear. ¡°Nothing personal. Just a word of caution. There¡¯s old legends about people like you¡ªplayers, they called them. A bunch of small folks appeared centuries ago and wreaked havoc before vanishing. So don¡¯t expect everyone to trust you right away.¡± Ziraiah frowned. ¡°Wait¡­ so people from Earth came here before?¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised as his sister. ¡°How am I supposed to know?¡± The guard grunted. ¡°Earth? Is that what you call your world? Whatever the case, just don¡¯t cause trouble. Mystvir¡¯s not as welcoming as it looks.¡± As the siblings exchanged uneasy glances, a familiar voice cut through the tension. ¡°Congrats, you survived.¡± Valerius spun around to see Kaelan leaning casually against the inn¡¯s entrance. His towering frame was hard to miss, even among the other imposing figures of Mystvir. ¡°Kaelan,¡± Ziraiah said, her voice tinged with surprise and relief. Kaelan smirked. ¡°I figured you¡¯d make it. Barely.¡± Valerius narrowed his eyes, his grin returning. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have stuck around to help us out?¡± Kaelan shrugged, pushing off the wall. ¡°You didn¡¯t need it. Besides, the strongest survive here, and the strongest always have something¡­ special about them.¡± He gave Valerius a knowing look before stepping aside. Eryndor¡¯s tone was calm but direct. ¡°What exactly do you mean by that?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°There¡¯s more to this world than you can yet perceive. Stick around long enough, and you¡¯ll see for yourselves.¡± Before the siblings could press further, the innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, waved them over. ¡°You lot look like you¡¯ve been through hell. Come in, get some rest. But don¡¯t think I¡¯m running a charity here.¡± Valerius glanced around the inn as they entered, his eyes catching on a glowing orb mounted on the wall. ¡°What the heck? You have TVs here?¡± The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. ¡°TVs? What¡¯s that?¡± Valerius pointed at the orb. ¡°That thing. You¡¯re telling me it¡¯s not a TV?¡± The innkeeper chuckled. ¡°Oh, you mean the seer? It¡¯s powered by some complicated runes I don¡¯t fully understand, but it lets us see things happening in different parts of the world. Handy, ain¡¯t it?¡± Ziraiah wandered over to the orb, staring at the flickering images. ¡°This place just keeps getting weirder.¡± As they settled into a corner of the inn, a fox-like woman with shimmering orange fur and piercing golden eyes approached their table. Standing at an impressive 10¡¯3¡±, she towered over Ziraiah, her movements graceful yet intimidating. ¡°You must be the new Earthers,¡± she said, her voice smooth and melodic. ¡°The whole town¡¯s talking about you. Your small stature gives it away.¡± The woman bent down to Ziraiah¡¯s height, her golden eyes narrowing playfully. ¡°You¡¯re a really small girl, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ziraiah crossed her arms, her cheeks flushing. ¡°Small? I¡¯m perfectly fine, thank you.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The woman laughed, straightening up. ¡°I¡¯m Elsa. Welcome to Mystvir. Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯re fascinated by all the magic here?¡± Valerius leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. ¡°You could say that. Is it true everything here runs on magic?¡± Elsa nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips. ¡°Magic, yes. But it¡¯s all powered by runes. Every object, every building, even the seer you were gawking at¡ªit all relies on the inscription of runes.¡± She waved a hand, and a small flame danced above her palm. With a flick of her wrist, it transformed into a swirling gust of wind. Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s incredible¡­¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained calm, but his gaze was sharp. ¡°And what of those who cannot use magic?¡± Elsa¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°They survive by other means. But survival here always comes at a cost.¡± Before the conversation could deepen, Kaelan returned, leaning casually against their table. ¡°I see you¡¯re entertaining the new kids, huh, Elsa?¡± Elsa grinned. ¡°They¡¯re an interesting bunch. You know them?¡± Kaelan nodded. ¡°We crossed paths. They¡¯ve got potential, even if they don¡¯t know it yet.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°That¡¯s high praise coming from you.¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Don¡¯t let it go to your head. This world doesn¡¯t care about potential¡ªit cares about results. Stay sharp, Lerius.¡± As the siblings exchanged glances, Ziraiah leaned back in her chair, a mix of exhaustion and intrigue on her face. Mystvir was unlike anything they¡¯d ever seen, and they were only beginning to scratch the surface of its secrets. The soft morning light streamed through the wooden shutters of the inn, bathing the room in a warm glow. Valerius stirred first, blinking sleepily as the scent of fresh bread wafted in from the inn¡¯s kitchen. He nudged Ziraiah, who was still snuggled beneath the thin but warm blanket. ¡°Zaraiah, time to wake up,¡± he said, his voice gentle but insistent. Ziraiah groaned, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. ¡°Five more minutes, Val,¡± she muttered. Eryndor¡¯s voice, calm and resolute, broke the stillness. ¡°Ziraiah, we¡¯ve lingered long enough. Mystvir has much to reveal, and we must not squander our time.¡± Ziraiah peeked out from under the blanket, frowning. ¡°Do you ever take a break from sounding like a philosopher, Eryndor?¡± Eryndor raised an eyebrow, his towering figure already fully dressed and ready. ¡°Wisdom is never untimely, sister. Shall we proceed?¡± With a resigned sigh, Ziraiah swung her legs over the side of the bed. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m up.¡± The trio descended the creaky staircase to the inn¡¯s common room, where the morning bustle was in full swing. Kaelan stood near the entrance, his imposing frame unmistakable even among the taller inhabitants of Mystvir. His green eyes met theirs, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Good to see you survived the night without falling off the beds,¡± he teased. Ziraiah shot him a playful glare. ¡°Funny. What are you doing here so early?¡± Kaelan shrugged. ¡°I figured you¡¯d want a tour. There¡¯s a lot you need to know if you¡¯re going to last here.¡± Valerius grinned, his curiosity already piqued. ¡°Lead the way, then.¡± Kaelan motioned for them to follow, leading them out into the bustling streets of Mystvir. The town was alive with activity¡ªmerchants peddling exotic wares, children laughing as they chased each other, and craftsmen skillfully engraving glowing runes onto various objects. Kaelan stopped near a quiet alley and turned to face them. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to the point. Last night, you saw Elsa conjure fire, right?¡± Ziraiah nodded eagerly. ¡°Yeah, that was insane. How did she do that?¡± ¡°Magic,¡± Kaelan said simply. ¡°Here in Yilheim, most people rely on magic for everything¡ªcombat, crafting, even cooking. Magicians like Elsa pull in Vitalis from the air and use it to cast spells or inscribe runes. That¡¯s why you see so many glowing symbols around town¡ªthey¡¯re runes powered by magic.¡± Valerius tilted his head, his brows furrowing. ¡°So, magic is all about using this¡­ Vitalis stuff?¡± Kaelan nodded. ¡°Exactly. Vitalis is everywhere in Yilheim¡ªit¡¯s in the air, the soil, the plants. Magicians absorb it, store it in their bodies, and refine it to create spells or power objects. But magic has its limits, and not everyone can use it effectively.¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained stoic, but his voice carried a hint of intrigue. ¡°And what of those who cannot wield magic? Are they left defenseless?¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°That¡¯s where Bravo comes in, and we Elvheins---are better suited for bravo.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Bravo? That¡¯s what Mom told us about. No way, is Mom from Yilheim?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression turned serious, his green eyes meeting hers. ¡°It¡¯s possible. Bravo isn¡¯t just rare¡ªit¡¯s practically unheard of for most people here. Apart from me, there¡¯s no one in this town who¡¯s even heard the word Bravo, let alone uses it.¡± Valerius crossed his arms, his curiosity deepening. ¡°What makes Bravo so special?¡± Kaelan leaned against the wall, his tone dropping to a near whisper. ¡°Bravo doesn¡¯t rely on Vitalis the same way magic does. It¡¯s tied to willpower and physical mastery. Where magicians manipulate the world around them, Bravo users command their own bodies, pushing beyond natural limits. Bravo is raw, internal, and extremely powerful¡ªbut it¡¯s also dangerous.¡± Ziraiah tilted her head, her curiosity bubbling over. ¡°Dangerous how?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s volatile,¡± Kaelan explained. ¡°Training Bravo pushes your body to the brink. Without discipline, it can destroy you. That¡¯s why Bravo users are rare¡ªmost people don¡¯t have the willpower to handle it.¡± Valerius smirked, a spark of excitement in his eyes. ¡°So, what does that mean for us?¡± Kaelan chuckled. ¡°It means you have a choice. You can learn to use Bravo and unlock your true potential, stick to the basics and try to get by, or learn magic and become a mage. But if you choose Bravo, be warned¡ªit¡¯s not an easy path.¡± Ziraiah leaned closer, her voice filled with wonder. ¡°If Bravo is so rare, how do people even know about it?¡± Kaelan hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure no one else was listening. ¡°Bravo is ancient. It¡¯s tied to the Awakening Seeds.¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow. ¡°Awakening Seeds?¡± Kaelan¡¯s voice dropped even lower. ¡°Legends say the Awakening Seeds are mythical sources of power in Yilheim. These seeds grant incredible abilities¡ªthings beyond imagination. Some are said to enhance Bravo, while others awaken unique powers. But they¡¯re almost impossible to find.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes sparkled with intrigue. ¡°So, these seeds¡­ they¡¯re real?¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°Oh, they¡¯re real, alright. But finding one? That¡¯s another story. People spend their entire lives searching for them and come up empty-handed. But for those who do find one¡­¡± He paused, his gaze turning distant. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they change everything.¡± Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but resolute. ¡°And you? Have you sought these seeds?¡± Kaelan shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ve heard rumors, but I¡¯m not ready to chase legends. My focus is survival¡ªfor now.¡± Valerius leaned back against the wall, his mind racing. ¡°So, Bravo, Awakening Seeds, magic¡­ This place keeps getting more complicated.¡± Kaelan chuckled. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim. It¡¯s a world of endless possibilities, but it¡¯s also unforgiving. If you want to thrive here, you¡¯ll need to adapt¡ªand fast.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s voice softened, a mix of excitement and trepidation. ¡°Do you think we can do it?¡± Kaelan¡¯s green eyes met hers, filled with quiet confidence. ¡°You¡¯ve got the potential, Zaraiah. Whether you make it or not depends on your will.¡± The siblings exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. Mystvir was just the beginning, and their journey was only getting started. As they followed Kaelan back into the bustling streets, their minds buzzed with possibilities, questions, and a newfound determination. ---