Hours later, the group finally arrived at a town nestled within the heart of the druidic lands. Towering, ancient trees stood uncut, their massive trunks serving as the foundation for luxurious buildings constructed seamlessly within the living wood. The air was thick with the scent of moss, fresh leaves, and distant wildflowers. The town was alive with a quiet harmony, the soft hum of nature blending with the voices of its people.
The druids were the dominant presence here, their robes woven with living vines and their skin marked with the faint glow of natural energies. Humans, though present, were far fewer in number, their presence subtle in the grand scheme of the settlement.
As they entered, Shinryu cast a glance at Raikai, noting the way his sharp gaze swept over the surroundings, assessing potential threats. Raikai, sensing his stare, turned slightly and spoke.
"While we're in these lands, where our factions won't hold much sway, I suggest we rely on our Eternal Arms." His tone was practical, yet there was an underlying edge of anticipation in his voice.
Shinryu nodded in agreement. "Our Eternal Arms may be ranked among the second-lowest grades, but they're the best within their tier. With them, we should be able to utilize at least ninety percent of our overall combat strength."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than chains began coiling around Raikai's wrists, wrapping tightly around his forearms until they reached his biceps. At the ends of the chains, small, fang-like blades gleamed in the dim light, their presence both menacing and elegant.
Similarly, Shinryu's own Eternal Arms manifested—a set of sleek gauntlets that covered his arms, intricate patterns glowing faintly along the metallic surface. Gloves enveloped his hands, each finger reinforced with subtle, claw-like extensions.
As the two warriors activated their Eternal Arms, Hou Jian and Hou Liang turned to the rest of the group, ensuring that the nobles among them understood the importance of the decision.
Hou Jian's voice carried the weight of experience. "Though rare, there are those who hunt warriors whose Death Arms possess unique abilities or attributes. If we find ourselves in conflict, it's safer to rely on Eternal Arms unless absolutely necessary."
Xue Mor listened carefully, her sharp gaze flickering between the various Eternal Arms that had manifested among the younger warriors. A rare realization struck her. Unlike most warriors, whose Eternal Arms were usually chosen for versatility, Shinryu and Raikai's Eternal Arms bore a striking resemblance to their Death Arms.
Curious, she finally asked, "Most people acquire Eternal Arms that grant them broader adaptability in battle. Why are yours so similar to your Death Arms?"
Shinryu and Raikai exchanged a glance, the answer unspoken yet understood between them. After a brief pause, Shinryu finally responded.
"For some, versatility is the key to survival," he said evenly. "For us, mastery is the only path forward."
Raikai smirked, flexing his fingers as the chains coiled and uncoiled around his arms like living serpents. "Why would I use a weapon that dulls my instincts? The weapons we wield define us. A second blade that doesn't match the first is just dead weight."
Xue Mor considered their words, recognizing the truth behind them. While many warriors sought weapons that complemented their weaknesses, these two had chosen to refine their strengths to their utmost limit. It was a rare path, but one that suited them perfectly.
With their Eternal Arms now in place and their approach to combat set, the group continued deeper into the druidic town, their presence drawing quiet but curious gazes from those who called this place home.
---
Gathering in the Druidic Town
Upon finally arriving in the heart of the town, all eyes turned toward them—especially toward the young warrior who had chosen a drake as his mount. The creature's powerful form and predatory gaze stood in stark contrast to the serene and nature-bound settlement, drawing whispers and curious stares from the townsfolk.
Xue Mor, alongside her brothers Hou Jian and Hou Liang, stepped forward and addressed the group. Her voice was calm yet firm, carrying the authority of someone used to command.
"We'll be staying here for three days," she announced. "Use this time to gather supplies, gather information, and rest. Be discreet—we're still in unfamiliar territory."
The orders were simple, yet the unspoken implication was clear: trouble was to be avoided, but if it came, they were more than ready to respond.
As the group dispersed, Raikai and Shinryu immediately sought out the tallest vantage point in the town. From a raised platform built into the upper branches of a massive ancient tree, they surveyed the town's layout, marking key locations while keeping an eye out for any potential threats. Once satisfied, the two split up, each positioning themselves in strategic locations to silently watch over their companions.
Meanwhile, Xue Mor and her brothers moved through the town, subtly gathering information about the surrounding lands. They listened in on conversations, observed the dynamics between the druids and outsiders, and paid close attention to any rumors that might hint at dangers lurking beyond the borders.
The druids, while peaceful, were not ignorant of the shifting tides of power beyond their lands. There was talk of growing tensions between the Phoenix Cry Empire and the Obsidian Shadow Empire, and murmurs of smaller factions seeking alliances to carve their place in history. The land was restless, the winds carrying the whispers of coming conflict.
Hours later, as the sun dipped below the canopy, casting long shadows through the town, Xue Mor called for a meeting. The group gathered in a secluded clearing within the town, the air heavy with anticipation as they prepared to share their findings.
One by one, they spoke, piecing together fragments of knowledge that painted a picture of the dangers ahead. The journey to the Death Knights was not unnoticed—watchful eyes followed their movements, and unseen hands were already maneuvering pieces on the board.
Their time in the druidic town had given them valuable insight, but it also confirmed one thing: they were stepping into a storm far greater than they had anticipated.
And only the strongest would survive.