THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

Cauis raised an eyebrow, watching the faint sparks still flickering around Dylan's arm. "Lightning? Why aren't you using Temporal Dusk?"

Dylan stretched his fingers, shaking off the lingering charge. "Oh, Lightning Cloak takes way less mana and is easier to manage. Unlike Temporal Dusk, which messes with time and perception, this is just raw speed and reflex enhancement. Plus…" He smirked. "I don't need to go all out against a single warg."

Cauis rolled his eyes. "Show off."

June chuckled beside them. "At least he's being efficient for once."

As the group continued their climb, Riven marched ahead, still grumbling about how he totally could have handled it.

As the group continued their climb, Riven marched ahead, still grumbling about how he totally could have handled it. Before anyone could respond, another warg emerged from the thick underbrush, baring its fangs and letting out a guttural growl.

Riven's eyes lit up with excitement. "I got this! Stand back, everyone!" he declared, gripping the hilt of his sword as he stepped forward with confidence.

Dylan crossed his arms, amused. "You sure, kid? 

"Doesn't matter! A hero never backs down from a challenge!" Riven said proudly, taking a stance.

June sighed but gestured for the others to wait.

The warg lunged, but Riven was quick on his feet, dodging to the side and countering with a swift slash. His blade shimmered faintly with an aura of magic, cutting into the beast's flank. The warg snarled in pain but quickly recovered, circling him with predatory intent.

Cauis watched closely. "He's Decent, but he's got to be careful not to get reckless."

Riven grinned, stepping forward with another strike, fully confident in his skills.

The warg snarled and lunged at Riven with even greater speed. He barely managed to duck under its massive claws, rolling to the side before countering with a swift upward slash. His blade carved through the beast's thick hide, drawing more blood.

"Ha! See? I told you I—"

Before he could finish, the warg, still standing despite its wounds, pounced again. Riven's eyes widened as he tried to react, but this time, he was just a second too slow.

Dylan clicked his tongue. "Tch. Too cocky."

Just as the warg's fangs nearly sank into Riven's shoulder, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air, striking the beast mid-leap. The warg yelped and collapsed to the ground, twitching before going still.

Riven spun around, eyes wide. Dylan stood behind him, one hand still sparking with residual energy. "You had it, right?" Dylan smirked.

"I did!" Riven insisted, huffing as he sheathed his sword.

Cauis chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, we saw. You almost had it."

June placed a hand on her hip, shaking her head. "You need to work on your awareness, Riven. You fight well, but overconfidence will get you killed."

Riven crossed his arms, looking away stubbornly. "I was going to dodge…"

The group let out a collective sigh, and as the battle's tension faded, they noticed the thick fog around them beginning to lighten.

Alisan narrowed her eyes toward the horizon. "The mist is clearing up."

As the swirling fog slowly dispersed, an awe-inspiring sight revealed itself in the distance—Ironholde.

Massive stone and metal structures jutted out from the mountainside, interwoven with towering gears, brass bridges, and towering chimneys billowing steam into the sky. Enormous cranes moved heavy materials between different sections of the city, while mechanical lifts carried people and cargo upward. Even from a distance, the hum of machinery and the occasional spark of artificial lightning could be seen illuminating parts of the city.

Dylan whistled. "Now that looks like a place worth visiting."

June smiled, looking at the marvel of technology and magic ahead. "Come on, let's not waste time. We have a flying vehicle to find."

With renewed energy, the group picked up their pace, heading toward the legendary City of Innovation.

Dylan stretched his arms behind his head, groaning. "Man, this pace is killing me. We're never gonna reach Ironholde like this."

Cauis smirked. "What, you in a rush or something?"

Dylan grinned. "I just like moving fast. So, how about we pick up the pace?"

Axel cracked his neck. "Fine by me."

June sighed. "You just want an excuse to be reckless."

Alisan glanced at Riven, who was already looking winded from their current pace.

"What about Riven? He won't be able to keep up."

Dylan's grin widened as he suddenly scooped the younger boy up with ease, lifting him onto his back. "Then I'll just carry him!"

Riven yelped. "H-Hey! Put me down! I can run just fine!"

Dylan laughed, adjusting his grip as sparks of lightning crackled around him. "Nope! You're coming with me, little hero! Alright, let's go!"

Before Riven could protest further, Dylan shot forward, his Lightning Cloak crackling as he dashed ahead. Axel, never one to back down from a challenge, sprinted after him with a competitive grin.

Cauis shook his head. "Guess we're running now."

Alisan sighed but smiled. "At least this will get us there faster."

With that, the rest of the group took off, racing toward Ironholde, the mechanical city growing larger with each step.

As the group neared the towering gates of Ironholde, a thick mist of cold air trailed behind them, swirling like a creeping frost. The guards stationed at the entrance immediately tensed, gripping their weapons as one of them barked, "Snow mist? This isn't the season for it stay on guard!"

The tension in the air grew as the mist rolled closer, but as it cleared, the guards were left utterly baffled.

Instead of some supernatural phenomenon or a creeping blizzard, they were met with the sight of a group of adventurers dashing at full speed Dylan leading the charge, lightning sparking around him, June just behind him with residual frost from her magic dissipating in the air, and the rest of the group following suit.

One of the guards blinked. "Wait… it's just people?!"

Another let out a sigh of relief but still kept his stance. "That's not normal people speed…"

As the group skidded to a stop before the gate, Dylan casually put Riven down, ruffling the boy's hair. "Alright, we're here!" He stretched, grinning. "That was a good warm-up."

Riven crossed his arms, trying to look composed despite how breathless he was. "I could've run on my own, you know."

The lead guard cleared his throat, stepping forward. "State your business in Ironholde." His eyes lingered on their worn travel gear, the mix of magic and energy still clinging to them from their sprint.

Cauis, still catching his breath, wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead. "We're here to find a flying vessel."

The lead guard narrowed his eyes as he studied the group. "Before you enter, I need to see some identification." His tone was firm, his grip tightening on his spear.

Dylan let out a sigh, reaching into his coat. "Man," He pulled out a small, ornate insignia the emblem of the King of Drakmire and held it up for the guard to see. "This good enough for you?"

The guard's expression shifted instantly. His eyes widened, and he took a step back, recognizing the symbol immediately. "This… this is the royal insignia!" He quickly turned to his fellow guards, who also seemed taken aback. "These aren't just travelers they're the heroes!"

Murmurs spread among the guards as they straightened their postures, some even exchanging nervous glances. The lead guard cleared his throat, his stern demeanor replaced with deep respect. "My apologies, honored heroes. Had I known, I wouldn't have questioned you." He gave a sharp salute before stepping aside. "Please, enter Ironholde. The city is at your disposal."

The massive gears of the Ironholde Gate whirred to life, steam hissing as the towering metal doors creaked open, revealing the sprawling city within.

As the massive gears of the Ironholde Gate whirred to life, steam hissing as the towering metal doors creaked open, Cauis let out a low whistle. "Man, this place is advanced… Almost like one of those insane Redstone gate builds we used to play"

Dylan raised an eyebrow. "What, like those massive piston doors that take a hundred years to open?"

Cauis smirked. "Exactly. But hey, at least this one doesn't require a whole underground circuit just to function."

June sighed, shaking her head. "You two and your weird obsessions..."

Meanwhile, the guards exchanged confused glances, completely lost at the strange comparison.

As the group stepped through the towering gates of Ironholde, the sound of whirring gears and the distant clang of metal filled the air. The streets were alive with activity artificers tinkering with contraptions, steam-powered carts rolling by, and glowing etherium lanterns illuminating the city in a soft, bluish hue.

Before they could take in the sights, a well dressed woman approached them, her posture poised and confident. She wore a fitted coat adorned with intricate brass engravings, and a pair of round, crystal-enhanced spectacles rested on her nose.

"Welcome to Ironholde, honored heroes." She gave a respectful bow before adjusting her glasses. "I am Lady Evelyn Margrave, assistant to Lord Vaughn Ironhart, the city's overseer. It is an honor to greet you on behalf of Ironholde."

Cauis leaned slightly toward Dylan. "Man, even the assistants here sound fancy."

Dylan smirked but said nothing as Evelyn continued, her voice calm yet authoritative. "Lord Ironhart has been informed of your arrival and wishes to extend his hospitality. He understands you are in search of a flying vessel, and he would like to discuss the matter with you personally at the Council Hall. If you would please follow me."

June nodded, stepping forward. "We appreciate the welcome. Lead the way."

With that, the group followed Evelyn through the bustling streets of Ironholde, eager to see what the city of innovation had in store for them.

As they followed Evelyn through the bustling streets of Ironholde, the group couldn't help but marvel at the city's ingenuity. Towering brass constructs moved along designated paths, carrying supplies to various workshops. Steam-powered exosuits helped laborers lift massive crates with ease, while mechanical birds flitted through the air, delivering messages between districts. The entire city seemed alive, a seamless blend of technology and magic.

Cauis whistled, his eyes scanning the intricate metalwork of a massive clocktower before something else caught his attention. A worn metal sign hanging from a nearby workshop read "White Sand Automotive Shop." Intrigued, he glanced inside, where the sound of clanking metal and hissing steam filled the air.

Before he could say anything, a loud voice cut through the noise.

"Why are you so slow doggo? Hurry up! We've got a lot of customers to handle!" a black-haired human shouted, arms crossed as he scolded a younger worker.

From the other side of the shop, another man with striking blue hair called out, "Huxi! I need help over here!"

"On it, Kat!" came the immediate response from a figure moving between the workbenches, their motions quick and precise.

Cauis raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Looks like they've got their hands full."