Sixteen years had passed since that fateful day, the day the Dark Lord was sealed once more. And Sivil… had vanished without a trace.

  Though peace had once again reigned over Terra, it was far from the utopia of the old legends. Once, they spoke of a time when light reigned supreme, but those stories were nothing more than distant echoes. The Ancients, twisted descendants of the Dark Lord, still lurked in the shadows, their presence a festering wound upon the land. Some remained hidden, waiting in silence for their master's return. Others roamed freely, spreading terror and destruction, leaving behind razed villages, smoldering ruins, and the cries of the forsaken. Towns fell to their relentless hunt, leaving survivors to fend for themselves.

  The people of Terra had adapted to this new reality. Some took up weapons, training in combat to protect their homes, while others turned to magic, hoping to stand against the looming darkness. Yet, it was not only the Ancients they feared. Wild beasts and corrupted creatures, tainted by the dark power roamed the land. Even during the day, they posed a constant threat, but it was after nightfall that the true horrors emerged. At dusk, the most formidable abominations crawled from the depths of forgotten ruins, desecrated crypts, and cursed lands, hunting anything that dared step beyond the town gates. Thus, despite all their preparations, one rule remained true to mankind, when night falls, no one travels beyond the safety of their town’s gates.

  Nestled south of Isten, the bustling town of Karmine stood as a beacon of trade and industry, a place where wealth and hardship intertwined. Its streets pulsed with life, merchants calling out their wares as travelers and traders bartered over fine weapons, protective armor, enchanted trinkets, tools, and vials of shimmering potions. Stalls overflowed with fresh produce, warm loaves of bread, and exotic spices, a wealth of goods catering to travelers and traders alike. However, Karmine was renowned for one thing above all: its high-quality fabrics. Considered the finest in all of Terra, these exquisite fabrics attracted traders from across the land, eager to purchase and resell them in distant markets. The town’s reputation as the heart of the textile trade made it a vital hub for commerce and craftsmanship.

  In a growing town, a distinct social hierarchy is inevitable, and the town of Karmine was no exception. At the top stood the wealthy class, having built vast trade empires and businesses, were free from the burdens of labor. Many pursued swordsmanship to improve their chances of survival, while others sought power for security. Some turned to the study of magic, hiring private scholars to tutor them. Though magic was rare among ordinary humans due to their limited mana reserves, many still sought to harness its power. Unlike them, the Nephilim, also known as halfbloods, were born of both ancient and human blood, their celestial lineage granting them immense energy, unnatural speed, and strength far beyond mortal reach. Their existence was met with both awe and unease, for while some admired their abilities, others viewed them with envy… or fear. To the ambitious, they were rivals. To the envious, they were a threat. And to the desperate, they were a beacon of hope in an unforgiving world.

  The middle class thrived in various roles; some managed shops and businesses, while others worked in skilled trades or held comfortable professions. Many chose to serve in Karmine’s elite guard, sworn to protect the town from external threats. A select few pursued magic at the academy, hoping to defy their natural limitations, though only the most gifted or privileged could afford such an opportunity.

  At the bottom of the social ladder were the poor, laboring in menial yet essential work that kept Karmine running. Street sweepers cleared dust and debris from the bustling roads, farmhands tended the fields that fed the city, and blacksmiths endured the relentless heat of the forges, hammering out weapons and armor for people who would never know their names. Bootmakers and tailors fashioned fine garments they could never afford, while bakers rose before dawn, their hands dusted in flour, ensuring that those above them never missed a meal.

  And then, there were the weavers. Their hands worked tirelessly, meticulously weaving the luxurious fabrics that made Karmine famous. Their craft was unmatched across Terra, their textiles prized by merchants, nobles, and foreign traders alike. It was truly the backbone of Karmine’s thriving trade.

  On a bright, sunny day, a group of weavers gathered during their break, chatting as they ate.

  "Luna’s missing again," one weaver muttered, glancing around.

  "She’s been disappearing a lot lately," another added with a sigh.

  "Too bad, she’s one of the best weavers we have.”

  Tara, a close friend of Luna, spoke up. "I heard she’s been visiting someone outside town."

  A skeptical voice chimed in. "You mean the witch down south?"

  "She’s not a witch!" Tara exclaimed, crossing her arms. "At least… that’s what Luna told me."

  The conversation continued as the weavers ate, exchanging gossip and stories in the warmth of the midday sun.

  "She’s always running off somewhere," one of them muttered between bites of bread.

  "And yet, she still outpaces all of us when she’s here," another added with a chuckle.

  Luna was well-liked by a lot of people, the weavers included, despite her frequent absences. Even though she was the youngest, her nimble hands, and her sharp eye for patterns made weaving faster and more efficient, helping them finish work early and earn more pay.

  Meanwhile, far from the peaceful town, Luna was deep within a damp, winding cavern in the southeastern reaches, an untamed place where few dared to venture. The stone walls loomed high, jagged and slick with moisture, the air thick with the scent of earth and decay, carrying the lingering chill of a place untouched by sunlight. Her footsteps echoed softly against the cold stone floor, the sound swallowed by the cavern’s oppressive silence. Now and then, the faint drip of water falling from stalactites punctuated the stillness, a reminder that this place, though abandoned, was far from lifeless.

  "Just a little more... I just need to collect a bit more today," she murmured to herself. Clutching her wooden staff, she pressed forward into the dimly lit cavern.

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  The further she ventured, the darker it became, an oppressive blackness that threatened to swallow everything whole.

  Good thing she taught me the 'Illuminate' spell, she thought. I’d be blind down here without it. The deeper I go, the darker it gets.

  Illuminate is a basic spell that created a sphere of light around the caster, brightest at the center and fading outward. Thanks to it, she could see the uneven stone walls and the damp ground beneath her feet or the possible danger that lies ahead.

  Suddenly, she felt a movement in the murky gloom. The ground ahead quivered. A low, unnatural gurgle echoed through the cavern. And then, without warning, two four-legged creature emerged, their mushroom-like bodies pulsing with an unnatural glow. Their bulbous caps swayed, releasing a putrid mist. The scent was foul—rotting earth mixed with something more acrid. Then, in an instant, both creatures reared back and spat a spray of green, toxic liquid directly at her.

  Luna’s instincts kicked in and she leaped backward, narrowly dodging the attack.

  Raising her staff toward the creature, Luna called out, "Frostbite!" A chilling aura burst forth, freezing one of the creatures in place. Without hesitation, she followed up with "Lightning Strike!" A crackling bolt of electricity shot from her staff, striking the frozen creature and amplifying the damage.

  It writhed in agony, barely clinging to life. Luna wasted no time. She finished it off with a well-aimed "Fire Bolt!" A blazing projectile shot forward, straight into the weakened monster. The fire struck true, and with a shriek, the creature collapsed, lifeless to the ground.

  One down.

  She turned her focus to the remaining enemy, maintaining her distance as she methodically repeated her offensive spells. "Frostbite!" "Lightning Strike!" "Fire Bolt!" The combination was relentless, and soon, the second creature fell.

  Catching her breath, Luna stepped forward to check the remains. Her eyes lit up as she found her reward.

  "Woohoo! I got more blue essences!" she cheered, collecting the glowing fragments and tucking them safely into her woven bag.

  The battles and her journey through the cave had drained her energy, and exhaustion weighed on her limbs. It was time to leave. Fortunately, she had planned ahead, marking her path with torches and using the 'Ignite’ spell to leave subtle traces along the way, a trick to ensure she wouldn’t get lost in the twisting tunnels. Retracing her steps was effortless.

  As she emerged from the dark depths of the cavern, the cool afternoon air greeted her. She exhaled in relief. The golden sunlight filtered through the trees, setting her vibrant orange hair aglow. Around her neck, a crescent moon pendant gleamed, a delicate piece adorned with a crimson orb at its center, catching the light like a tiny ember. Her eyes shone with determination, a triumphant glint dancing in their depths.

  "Whew! That went well. Time to go home!" she said smiling, gazing back at the cave entrance one last time before heading home to Karmine. She took a few steps, then paused, tapping a finger to her chin. "Hmm… on second thought, I should visit her first before heading home," Luna mused, a spark of excitement in her voice. With that, she turned westward, making her way to the familiar dirt path, then followed it northward.

  South of Karmine, near the lake, sat a modest little house, a simple bungalow with a sturdy old door, its chipped red paint bearing the marks of time. A few small windows dotted its walls, and a chimney stood tall, offering warmth through the cold nights. Around the house, a thriving garden flourished, and beside it, a farm with rows of fresh vegetables carefully tended with patience and care.

  Behind the house loomed a towering, distinctive tree, its sprawling branches stretching like a silent guardian. The place exuded a quiet, undisturbed peace.

  Beyond the house, further south, lay the Merigon Forest, a vast, untamed wilderness teeming with wild beasts, creatures, and secrets hidden within its ancient depths.

  As evening approached, Luna finally arrived at the small home, its silhouette bathed in the soft glow of twilight. She stepped up to the wooden door, knocking lightly, and called out,

  “Elise? Are you home?”

  Receiving no immediate response, she cautiously pushed open the wooden door and peeked inside.

  “Elise…?” she called again.

  Inside, a familiar sight greeted her, she spotted Elise, seated in a large wooden chair. Her long black hair cascaded past her waist, shimmering softly in the dim firelight. Her face, untouched by the weight of years, carried a timeless beauty. She wore a flowing black dress, its fabric slightly worn but elegant. Everything about her seemed effortless. There was no arrogance in her posture, no intention to intimidate. There was something captivating about her presence, something that demanded attention without a single word.

  Elise turned toward the door, her eyes warm but tired. “Oh, Luna. Please, come in,” she said with a gentle smile. “What brings you here today?”

  "I just stopped by to say hello before heading home," Luna replied cheerfully.

  Elise gave her a knowing look. "You went into the cave again, didn’t you?" she asked gently.

  Luna grinned widely. "I did! Actually, I made a lot of progress today — and look!" She eagerly pulled out the glowing blue essences she had gathered, holding it up for Elise to see. "I found even more this time." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she added, "We can use these to make potions. I wanted to give them to you as a thank-you for always teaching me new spells."

  “Thank you, Luna. But please be careful and don’t go further into the depths of that cave.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t,” Luna answered happily.

  After setting down her loot on a nearly full shelf, Luna’s eyes wandered across the rows of books.

  "Say… Do you have any new spellbooks I can study?"

  Elise chuckled. "You’ve already read all of them."

  Luna pouted. "Yes, but some of these spells are really difficult. I can cast them just fine when I’m practicing, but the moment I panic, I mess up."

  Elise laughed even more. "Don’t worry, dear. Soon enough, you’ll be able to cast them without even breaking a sweat."

  Luna grinned. "I hope so!" she said, laughing along.

  Elise then smiled knowingly. "Tell you what, come back in two days. I’ll teach you an advanced spell. What do you think?"

  Luna’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?! That’s amazing! Thank you, Elise!"

  "Alright, I should get going now," Luna said as she turned to leave.

  Elise tilted her head. "Do you want me to accompany you?"

  Luna shook her head confidently. "No need! I can protect myself now. You should get some rest, okay?"

  Elise smiled warmly. "Please be careful on your way home."

  "I will!" Luna replied before heading out.

  She followed the path north, leading to Karmine’s south gate. As she passed through, the guards on duty called out to her.

  "Hey, Luna! How’s it going? You shouldn’t be out this late, it’s dangerous."

  Luna waved at them with a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, I’ll be extra careful! Bye!"

  She continued walking down the main street, turned left at the third corner, and followed the familiar path straight ahead before finally reaching her house.

  "Mother! I’m home!" she called as she stepped inside, shutting the door behind her.

  Her mother, Linda Greenwood, greeted her with a gentle yet knowing look. "Where have you been, dear? You didn’t go to the loom house today."

  Luna simply smiled and wrapped her arms around her mother in a quick embrace. "I’ll go tomorrow."

  With that, she headed upstairs to her room. She set her wooden staff carefully in the corner, then placed her bag, filled with the loot from her adventure, on the table.

  A wave of exhaustion washed over her. Without hesitation, she grabbed a fresh change of clothes and took a quick shower. Feeling refreshed but drained from the day, she finally slipped into bed, pulling the blanket over herself as she fell asleep quickly.