Seven years had passed since the chosen youths began their training with Daniel, their master. That stage was now coming to an end, and they were ready to face their destiny.

  During that time, many changes had occurred on the planet. Radical changes that affected the climate, the atmosphere, and life itself, claiming the souls of three guardians of Arcan, as well as many other innocents.

  But this was just beginning, and in AN there was great fear in the hearts of the weakest and the inhabitants of the other cities. An evil plan was developing in the heart of Querb, and the worst part was that it seemed to be backed by the Patriarch.

  The great silence of justice opened a door to war and destruction. No one understood what was happening, and in Portcan, they waited for a light to bring them hope.

  Meanwhile, in Arcan, several generals were growing suspicious and murmured about the Patriarch’s actions—especially his lack of intervention regarding the current situation. A new order had even been declared: no Watcher, soldier, or guardian could leave the city without authorization. Anyone who violated this rule would be labeled a traitor and suffer the worst punishment.

  However, doubts grew and sparked a division of ideas, though only a few truly disagreed.

  Zeqel, holding the role of both Watcher and Guardian, was against Asael’s methods. He was unaware that Harmoni, Turiel, and Yomiel were dead, so despite the order, he decided to investigate on his own. However, while at the city limits and about to leave without permission, he was spotted by two other generals...

  “Where do you think you're going, Zeqel?” asked Ananel.

  “Ananel, Satoel... I have no reason to explain myself to you.”

  “You know our lord gave the order that no one is to leave the city without his permission, and whoever disobeys will pay dearly,” Satoel warned.

  “Then you can go running and tell him. I need to find out what’s going on here.”

  “And you plan to go alone? Aren’t you taking any of your men?” Ananel asked.

  “I don’t want to involve them in my decisions.”

  “Then we’ll go with you,” Satoel responded.

  “What?”

  “To be honest, we also have our doubts,” Ananel confirmed.

  “Yes. Two of our comrades haven’t returned from their mission, and I heard that General Harmoni hasn’t either.”

  “How is that possible? They were sent out less than a year ago... but now that you mention it, I haven’t seen them since then,” Zeqel replied, furrowing his brow.

  “Exactly. And no one has told us what happened to them. Something’s wrong here.”

  “The climate changes, the strange and powerful energy, the sudden darkness, and the disappearance of our comrades... All of this makes me doubt. That’s why I decided to go with you,” added Satoel after Ananel's remark.

  “All right. Let’s go to Serf first to speak with their leader... and then to Querb,” ordered General Zeqel.

  “Let’s go.”

  Unaware that someone else was nearby, listening to everything they were planning, they set out in search of answers...

  At the gates of the Patriarch’s hall, a soldier appeared.

  “Sir, a general requests to speak with you urgently.”

  “Let him in.”

  “Sir, I present myself before you humbly,” said Samael.

  “What do you need, Samael?”

  “My lord, I want to inform you that we have traitors in Arcan.”

  “Explain yourself!” demanded Artaqof.

  “Zeqel has left the city on his own decision, despite knowing about your orders, my lord. And he wasn't alone—Ananel and Satoel were with him. I heard them say they had suspicions about your actions.”

  “Are they turning against me?” the Patriarch was surprised.

  “Either way, I’ve come to request permission to go after them and bring them before you. If you allow me, I will punish them myself. Anyone who betrays and disobeys your orders deserves only death,” declared Samael.

  At that moment, Asael and Ramael entered the Patriarch’s hall...

  “Sir, we need to speak with you,” said Ramael.

  “Well, well, look who we have here,” Asael remarked. “If it isn’t my dear brother, Samael. How have you been?”

  “Not as well as you two, apparently,” he replied, giving them a suggestive look.

  “What…!?”

  “Enough! Samael, go and do what you must.”

  “I will, sir. I leave immediately,” Samael responded and exited.

  The Arcanian named Samael began his pursuit of the three guardians who had left Arcan without authorization, heading toward Serf.

  The training of the young warriors was coming to an end...

  “My children, I want to tell you that your training is over, and you have passed it magnificently. I’ve taught you everything I know, holding nothing back. From this moment on, you will no longer be called ‘apprentices’ but comrades and warriors of AN.”

  Miguel, moved, wanted to say a few words.

  “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for us, and I want you to know that in my heart, you will always be my master.”

  The rest of the group was deeply moved and showed gratitude toward Daniel.

  “I’m glad you think of me that way. I’ve also learned a lot from you. But I still have one last thing to do. Please wait...”

  He went to his house and returned with a large object wrapped in a dark cloak, which also appeared quite heavy. The youths watched in awe as their master held the object, radiating a powerful force…

  “Miguel and Uriel were the first to receive them. Both the bow and the sword are ancient legendary weapons…”

  Upon hearing this, they froze in astonishment.

  “You must know that not just anyone can achieve it. Not even many of the generals have succeeded, despite their great power. But you did, and I know the rest of you will as well. For that, you must complete the final trial. You must seek out the Forger. He is the one who created them thousands of years ago. A being who belongs to none of the known races on this planet. Only he has been able to forge those two weapons, as well as the one I bring here in this box.”

  At that moment, he drew from the sheath a great object that shone brightly. It was a sword.

  “To be honest, from the moment it came to me, I knew I wasn’t the chosen one—but someone else was. And in fact, on the day you all arrived here, the sword began to shine intensely and vibrate strongly. Every time Gabriel approached it, without knowing, it reacted. That’s how I knew it had chosen you. As if it had known you would come one day, and that is why I give it to you today…”

  “Master…”

  “I’ve told you before that the legendary weapons have a consciousness of their own, and they choose their bearer. You have been chosen by the legendary weapons! Now your path is set.”

  When Daniel brought the sword closer to Gabriel, it began to tremble and produce deafening noises and blinding lights. But Gabriel was unaffected. Then, the young man understood what was happening, grasped it firmly, and his entire body was filled with its power.

  “What I’m feeling right now is incredible! I can’t believe this is happening,” he said in amazement.

  “Now you know what you must do. This is your destiny—and the destiny of all of us. Now Remeiel, Rauel, Sariel, and Rafael must find their own. The path to that place I do not know for certain, but I know someone who does: the sage of Serf. Who among you wants to go find him?” asked the Master.

  “I’ll go, Master. I want to do this for my friends,” Gabriel replied, excited.

  “Are you sure you want to go?” Rafael asked.

  “Yes, my friend. Don’t worry.”

  “As you wish. But be careful,” Daniel requested.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll go as fast as I can, and I’ll be back in no time.”

  Without delay, Gabriel set off toward Serf in search of the sage, who knew the path to the Forger...

  Meanwhile, Zeqel, accompanied by Satoel and Ananel, was also heading to Serf.

  “And why are we going to Serf specifically?” asked Satoel.

  “They say there’s some kind of oracle or sage in that city. A seraph with great knowledge. Maybe he can give us some clue about what’s going on,” Zeqel explained.

  What these guardians didn’t know was that Samael was pursuing them, with the Patriarch’s authorization.

  All of them were headed in the same direction, which meant an inevitable encounter...

  “Wait, I sense something,” Ananel suddenly said, and they stopped, concerned.

  “It’s someone with a rather high level of power,” Satoel agreed.

  “What does this mean? I’ve never felt this presence before. It doesn’t belong to Arcan,” Zeqel said.

  “Let’s go see who it is, quickly.”

  “There he goes!”

  “Who is he? I’ve never seen him before,” said Zeqel.

  “We’ll soon find out. We need to catch up to him,” Ananel said.

  Gabriel was so excited and focused that he wasn’t paying attention to the multiple presences following him. By the time he noticed, it was too late…

  “I need to hurry and reach the sage as soon as possible,” Gabriel murmured. “But… what the…?! Someone’s coming after me—and it’s more than one. Shit...”

  The generals of Arcan quickly intercepted Gabriel…

  “Well… he’s a young man I’ve never seen before,” Zeqel remarked.

  “Hey, boy, answer me... who are you?” asked Ananel.

  “I don’t have to answer that.”

  “Wow, how rude,” said Satoel.

  “There’s no need to be so defensive. We didn’t come to hurt you,” Zeqel reassured him.

  “What I want to know is how you obtained that power… There are many things we’re not understanding.”

  Gabriel said nothing…

  “Looks like you’re not going to answer that either, huh?” Ananel insisted.

  “We don’t have time to waste with him. We need to get to Serf quickly,” Satoel urged.

  “Serf, you said? Why are you going there?” Gabriel interrupted.

  “That’s none of your business. You better go home,” Satoel responded rudely.

  “I can’t go home, because I’m also on my way to Serf. And I won’t let you go commit your crimes,” Gabriel unsheathed his sword.

  “What did you say? Crimes? What are you talking about?” asked Ananel.

  “Wait! Where did you get that sword?”

  “That’s the sword Daniel could never wield. How did you obtain it?” asked Satoel, surprised.

  “Well, I… He gave it to me.”

  “Don’t lie! No one just gives away a sword like that—especially not a legendary sword,” said Ananel.

  “Unless it chose him… What’s your name?”

  “I’m not lying. Actually, this sword chose me as its bearer. My name is Gabriel.”

  Thoughtful, Zeqel said:

  “I deduce that, since he gave you his sword, and judging by your age... are you his disciple? Am I right?”

  Gabriel nodded…

  “What did you just say? Is that true, boy?” said Satoel.

  “It’s true. Do you know him?”

  “Do we know him? He’s our comrade. My name is Ananel, and they are Satoel and Zeqel.”

  “Please,” Zeqel intervened, “we need to talk to him. Can you tell us where he is? We need to know if he has any idea about what’s going on.”

  Gabriel hesitated in his mind because of the words these men had spoken. However, he didn’t feel danger from them. Could what they were saying be true? If they had bad intentions, they wouldn’t be talking. What should he do?...

  “Listen to me, brat. I don’t care about your secrets. Three of our comrades have disappeared and we don’t know what’s going on. Maybe Daniel knows, or that sage from Serf. That’s why you need to cooperate with us—or I’ll make you talk by force,” warned Satoel, who didn’t have much patience.

  “Wait, Sato… Listen, Gabriel. Something very bad is happening and we need to know what it is. We’re guardians appointed by the king, but we answer to the Patriarch… and he hasn’t told us anything. Please, help us…”

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  “Three of your comrades have disappeared? By any chance, is one of them named Harmoni?”

  “How do you know? Do you know where she is? Is she with Daniel?” asked Satoel…

  “She went to see my master about a year ago,” Gabriel explained, lowering his head.

  “Then she’s been there,” said Ananel, unaware of the truth.

  “I’m sorry to tell you… she’s dead.”

  “What? What do you mean she’s dead? What did you just say?” Zeqel was shocked.

  “This is worse than I thought. How could a warrior like her have died?” exclaimed Satoel.

  “She was killed by some very powerful enemies. Their names are Asael and Ramael. They also took the lives of two guardians named Turiel and Yomiel… I’m really sorry.”

  “Damn traitors. Then we need to talk to Daniel immediately. Tell us where he is,” said Ananel.

  “I see there is no lie in you. I’ll tell you how to reach him. He’s in a very strange and hidden valley, protected by an invisible barrier. Beyond the mountain of fire, once you cross it, you must contact him through telepathy. I must get to Serf as soon as possible, so I can’t guide you myself.”

  “Thank you very much, Gabriel. Listen... Satoel and I will go see Daniel. And you, Zeqel, go with him to Serf. We’ll all meet up later to decide what to do about Asael and Ramael. Do you agree?” Ananel asked.

  “All right. Let’s go.”

  Understanding the gravity of the situation, two of the guardians went to find Daniel, and Zeqel would accompany Gabriel to Serf.

  The generals of Arcan didn’t understand why these things were happening, nor why the Patriarch hadn’t informed them. Their anger was growing against the Watchers responsible for the deaths of their comrades. The suspicions that Shemihaza was involved were growing stronger. They only sought clear answers... and surely, Daniel could provide them.

  After traveling for so long, they arrived at the place the boy had indicated. One of them contacted Daniel through telepathy, and he opened the path for them. He would soon inform them of everything that had happened so far. They finally understood that AN had entered a period of war.

  Elsewhere on the planet, Gabriel was telling Zeqel everything they had gone through because of the murderous Watchers and the dangerous confrontation. Zeqel suspected the new power Asael and Ramael possessed, because if they had been able to kill Harmoni, it was likely they had exceeded their previous limits.

  In the middle of the conversation, Zeqel felt that someone was quickly following them…

  “I’m sensing a very strong presence behind us…”

  “What? What are you saying?”

  “Listen to me, Gabriel. You have to go fulfill your mission. I’ve been able to accompany you this far. Thanks to you, I’ve come to understand many things I didn’t know. From now on, you’ll continue alone.”

  “Why are you telling me this?... Oh no! I can feel that presence too. It’s really strong and aggressive… Who is it?” Gabriel asked, alarmed.

  “It’s Samael. One of the most powerful generals of Arcan. Which means the Patriarch found out we left without permission… and he’s sent him to find us. Or maybe… to kill us,” Zeqel replied.

  “No. I’m not leaving you! I’ll fight too.”

  “Remember the reason you were sent to Serf! That’s more important… Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him. Besides, I’m capable of facing him. You go. I’ll handle it...”

  “All right…”

  Gabriel, very concerned, said goodbye to Zeqel, who stayed behind to wait for the Arcanian. The battle was inevitable, and Zeqel’s heart knew that Samael wasn’t someone who could be reasoned with easily…

  “Hello, Zeqel…”

  “Hello, Samael. What a surprise.”

  “Likewise.”

  “Tell me something: what brings you to a place as remote as this?”

  “Well, maybe you forgot that our lord gave the order that no one is to leave the city without his permission.”

  “I haven’t forgotten. I just wanted to get some fresh air.”

  “I see... Well, I must tell you that I was sent to find three lost pearls. And seeing you here alone, I have to ask: where are the other two?”

  “I don’t know. But don’t worry. I’ll present myself before our lord and apologize to him personally. I’ll also take care of finding the others. So... you can go now.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible, my dear Zeqel. Our lord’s orders are specific: anyone who disobeys is considered a traitor. And traitors must pay.”

  “And I imagine you’re the one who makes them pay, right?”

  “I see you’re somewhat intelligent. Then you must also imagine that I’ve come to kill you…”

  “I figured as much. Then... I’ll have to rebel.”

  “Good. That’ll make things easier. Prepare yourself,” warned Samael.

  Zeqel had no choice but to face his fate, but the difference in power was vast. Even though both held the same rank, Samael had been chosen for his powerful strength and skill.

  Meanwhile, Gabriel, heading toward Serf, couldn’t stop being amazed by Samael’s overwhelming presence.

  “That guy is really powerful… I have to hurry and reach the sage. Hold on, Zeqel!”

  Daniel had welcomed his comrades Ananel and Satoel into his home, and they had learned about his work as a teacher of the young ones, filling his heart with joy and satisfaction.

  This moment brought back old memories of the time they had met…

  “I remember it perfectly: Harmoni always stood out above the rest. Turiel and Yomiel were like twin brothers and always agreed on everything,” Daniel said nostalgically.

  “And they even agreed to die together for their ideals. They always said they would protect our world… just like we do now. Listen to me, Daniel: you must stay here and finish your work, because our planet needs to be cleansed of evil. Our era has ended. That’s how I see it,” said Satoel firmly.

  “No, now is the time when we must stay united. There’s room for you here. If we join forces, we can avenge the deaths of our friends and make our world as it once was…”

  “If we stay here, we won’t be at peace. Besides, we’re breaking one of the main laws, and they’ll surely come looking for us,” Ananel pointed out. “We’re aware that the war has begun, and our duty is to fight to the end…”

  The young warriors, who were also determined to fight and seek justice, spoke among themselves with deep devotion:

  “Friends, we can’t allow innocent people to keep dying. We have to do something,” said Rafael.

  “You’re right. We must fight,” said Miguel.

  “I’ve already decided,” Uriel spoke up.

  “What have you decided?”

  “I’ll kill Ramael, in the name of the three warriors who died by his hands. And Asael will be left to Rafael, since he has a score to settle…”

  “Excellent! I’ll take care of that bastard. I’ve become much stronger than before, and this time he’ll be surprised. I swear it!” said the boy.

  “I agree to fight. But we must not act recklessly. We have to be cautious,” added Miguel.

  “You’re right. However, we won’t be able to avoid crossing paths with them,” said Rauel.

  “I know that very well.”

  At last, Gabriel arrived in Serf and immediately began asking for the temple where the sage lived—who was already waiting for him. Upon seeing him, the inhabitants were amazed, as they had never seen a Portcanian flying through the skies in that way...

  “Look, a Portcanian who can fly without the need for wings… He must be a messenger from the king…”

  “So this is Serf. It’s as beautiful as they told me… One day I’ll bring my mother. I’m sure she’ll love it. Well, I must go see the sage,” Gabriel thought.

  “So, you are Gabriel… the messenger.”

  “You must be Allcan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “That’s right, boy. I’ve been waiting for you…”

  The oracle of Serf gave the young man a map indicating the secret path that led to the place where the being who had created the legendary weapons dwelled. He also warned him that this being was unlike anything they had ever known and was older than any inhabitant of AN.

  While they spoke, the battle between Zeqel and Samael was nearing its end, and the sage could perceive it all… and at the same time predict the painful outcome. Gabriel told him that an Arcanian named Samael had followed them and that Zeqel had stayed behind to confront him. Allcan knew Samael and was aware of his cruel strength, so he warned Gabriel that Zeqel likely wouldn’t survive this time, and that Gabriel should take another route back to avoid encountering this enemy. However, the boy refused to accept that, so he disregarded the warning and decided to go help him…

  The Arcanians were fighting to the death, just as the sage had said. Samael was extremely strong, and Zeqel couldn’t land a single blow…

  “Don’t tell me this is all your power. As a general of Arcan, you’re truly garbage,” Samael mocked.

  “Damn you… Just shut up and kill me already!” Zeqel challenged, gravely wounded…

  “You’re a real idiot. I’ll teach you something very special… SWORD SCREAM!”

  And swinging his arm forward, he unleashed a powerful and fast blast of air that struck Zeqel before he could react, slicing off his right arm as if it were nothing…

  “This can’t be… That ‘sword scream’ is terrible. I didn’t even see it coming! How can he have so much power?”

  “How did you like my technique? Pretty fast, huh?... You should never have messed with me, useless fool. After I kill you, I’ll take care of your allies—just so you know. Now die… Sword Scream!”

  The guardian’s body was sliced in half, and his remains fell into the abyss…

  “That was easier than I thought. Now it’s the others’ turn…” he muttered to himself as he set off again in pursuit.

  In the hidden valley, Daniel and his fellow Arcanians sensed that Zeqel’s presence had suddenly disappeared. What also worried them was that Gabriel had been with him—but they didn’t know that Samael was now heading their way.

  In Serf, Allcan insisted that Gabriel shouldn’t go face that enemy, since the difference in power was obvious at first glance…

  “Don’t tell me you’re planning to face him? Gabriel, he’s not the one for you to fight.”

  “I have no choice. That guy is looking for the three of them, and two are with my master and my friends. I can’t let him find them. Right now, I’m the only one who can face him…”

  “Let me warn them to leave that place immediately. But don’t go fight him. Don’t let anger lead you to make poor decisions. Think it through.”

  “You said I was the messenger… So this time, I’ll deliver a message to those damned murderers. I’m sorry, Allcan, but I’ll do what I believe is right. So there’s nothing to think about. Thank you very much for your support. Now I’m leaving. Goodbye…”

  Gabriel left Serf, heading straight to face Samael, who was on his way to the hidden valley…

  “I’ve found you, traitors. I will eliminate you without mercy… But… what…? Someone is coming here at incredible speed. I’ve never felt this presence before. Whatever it is… it doesn’t know it’s heading toward death. So I’ll wait.”

  Gabriel flew straight toward where Samael was.

  In the hidden valley, they realized that Samael had killed Zeqel and was coming directly toward them. But another presence surprised them…

  “That power I’m feeling is Samael. That bastard must have killed Zeqel… But I can feel something else. An incredible power is rushing toward him.”

  “But… whose energy is this?” Satoel asked, shocked.

  “I can’t recognize it either… How strange,” said Daniel.

  “Master, it’s Gabriel!” Miguel shouted with excitement.

  “What did you say!?”

  “That’s right. That magnificent power belongs to our friend,” confirmed the rest of the youths.

  “Where did he get all that power!? I can’t believe I didn’t recognize it…” Daniel couldn’t understand…

  “What? That brat with the sword?” Satoel asked, surprised.

  Gabriel’s anger caused his strength to expand. His friends could feel it from afar with excitement and adrenaline. His master, alongside the guardians, understood that the boy had chosen to confront Samael…

  “Is he really going to face Samael? He must not know who he’s heading toward… or maybe he’s lost his mind,” said Ananel.

  “This can’t be. I’ll have to go help him,” Daniel said, alarmed.

  But Uriel interrupted them:

  “Master, I’m sure Gabriel knows exactly what he’s doing. And I believe in him. I understand how he feels… because I would’ve done the same.”

  “I believe in him too. That bastard…” Rauel added.

  “That Gabriel beat us to it and is starting what we were planning,” Sariel said with a laugh.

  His friends believed in him and wished him the best in this battle. His master thought the sword he had given him had granted him the confidence he needed to fight.

  Before reaching Samael, he saw Zeqel’s destroyed body in an abyss. His eyes filled with tears, and strength surged through him, banishing all fear. Without further hesitation, he continued toward the enemy, who was waiting for him.

  Until, finally, they faced each other…

  “And who are you?” Samael asked.

  “My name is Gabriel. And you… must be another murderer…”

  “Murderer? Oh! You’re talking about what I did to that useless Zeqel. I killed him for being a traitor. Traitors have no place in Arcan… or in this world. And therefore, meddlers like you will die too…”

  “You miserable piece of shit!” the young man shouted in rage…