Oasis Edge greeted them with noise, color, and heat.
Shin, Sam, Han, Chrome, Isolde, Ciara, Pixie, and the hooded figure stepped through the sandstone archway and were immediately swallowed by the festival crowd. Banners stretched across the streets like ribbons of sunlight, and banderitas fluttered overhead in streaks of red, gold, and turquoise. Merchants shouted over one another, children darted between legs, and the scent of roasted spices drifted through the air.
Isolde adjusted the red ribbon in her hair, eyes scanning with a gunslinger's instinct.
Isolde:
"So much noise... but the air feels wrong."
Han grinned.
"That's the Oasis Edge Festival for you. Loud, chaotic, and full of snacks."
Sam:
"Focus, Han."
They pushed deeper into the crowd until the central plaza opened before them—packed shoulder to shoulder, all eyes fixed on a raised stage draped in shimmering cloth and alchemical symbols.
Shin:
"Something's happening."
Isolde:
"I can feel it. Someone familiar."
The announcer raised a crystal amplifier to his mouth.
Announcer:
"Ladies and gentlemen of Oasis Edge! As promised—today we present a man of brilliance, a pioneer of peace, and a hero of the Fateful Ten... Rurik the Alchemist!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
Rurik stepped into the light.
He cut an unmistakable figure beneath the desert sun. A layered traveler's cloak draped over reinforced leather armor, the attire of a man who had lived between laboratories and battlefields. Several potion vials—red, blue, violet—hung from his belt, clinking softly with each step. A katana rested at his hip, its sheath etched with faintly glowing alchemical sigils. His dark, tousled hair framed sharp, confident eyes that gleamed with intelligence and mischief. Around his neck hung a beaded necklace with a large, ancient pendant pulsing with quiet energy. In his gloved hand, he held a round flask filled with swirling green liquid that glowed like captured starlight.
Everything about him radiated the aura of a master alchemist who knew exactly how dangerous his brilliance could be.
Rurik:
"Thank you... truly. Your warmth reminds me why I began this journey."
He turned slightly, cloak shifting as he gestured toward the tall, velvet‑covered cylinder behind him.
Rurik:
"And now... allow me to show you what that journey has led to."
With a flick of his wrist, the velvet dissolved into shimmering dust.
Gasps rippled through the plaza.
Inside the glass chamber floated a humanoid figure—slender, translucent, its body woven from threads of pale gold and emerald light. Its eyes were closed, its chest pulsing with a soft, rhythmic glow like a heartbeat learning to exist.
Ciara:
"That's... not natural."
Pixie:
"It's beautiful... and terrifying."
Rurik stepped closer, placing his gloved hand against the glass.
Rurik:
"Behold—a being not born, but awakened. Not summoned, but synthesized. A vessel capable of learning, adapting... evolving."
The Homunculus mirrored him, pressing its glowing hand to the same spot.
The light in its chest flared brighter, casting green reflections across the stage.
Rurik:
"It learns. It adapts. It feels. And soon... it will understand."
Isolde stepped forward, voice sharp.
Isolde:
"Rurik... what did you put inside that thing?"
Rurik smirked.
"Still asking the right questions. But this isn't a binding, Isolde. It's a breakthrough."
The Homunculus's eyes snapped open—brilliant green, searching, alive.
The crowd recoiled.
Sam:
"Shin—stay sharp."
Isolde:
"No. It's reacting to him."
The Homunculus reached toward Shin, its glow intensifying—pulsing, searching, reaching.
Rurik spread his arms wide.
Rurik:
"Behold... the future. The Rebirth of the Realm of the Desert. The rebirth of everything."
The plaza erupted in cheers, fear, awe, and confusion all at once.
For a split second, Shin felt something inside the Homunculus.
A whisper.
A memory.
A presence he thought he'd lost forever.
He staggered back, heart pounding.
Rurik's gaze drifted back to Isolde.
Rurik:
"Well now... if it isn't Isolde. Oasis Edge truly knows how to surprise me."
Isolde:
"Didn't expect to see you playing showman, Rurik. Last time we worked together, you said crowds were a distraction."
Rurik:
"People change. Or perhaps... they evolve."
Isolde:
"I appreciate honesty. And whatever you're doing here—this isn't it."
Their eyes locked—old colleagues, old rivals.
Rurik:
"Perhaps another time."
The announcer hurried back onto the stage.
Announcer:
"T-that concludes our presentation! Mr. Rurik will be available for questions at the awarding ceremony later this afternoon!"
The crowd began to disperse.
Shin and the others pushed through the dispersing crowd toward the backstage area. They caught Rurik just as he was adjusting his mantle.
Shin:
"Hi, Rurik."
Rurik paused, then turned with a faint smile.
Rurik:
"Shin... what brings you here?"
Shin:
"I was hoping you could give me the orb I entrusted to you before."
Rurik blinked, then nodded slowly.
Rurik:
"Ah. That. I placed it on the top of the Tower of Babel for safekeeping. You told me it was something of value — something I must protect with my life."
Isolde stiffened.
Isolde:
"The Tower of Babel? The dangerous tower crawling with demons and monsters? That Tower of Babel?"
Rurik smiled proudly.
Rurik:
"That's exactly the one."
Chrome stepped forward, stunned.
Chrome:
"How could you even reach the top floor? There are a hundred levels — each guarded by monsters stronger than the last!"
Rurik scoffed lightly.
Rurik:
"Please. I'm the one who built the Tower."
The group froze.
Even Shin's breath caught.
Han:
"You built it?!"
Rurik simply adjusted his gloves.
Rurik:
"Now, if you'll excuse me... I have an awarding ceremony to attend."
He stepped past them, the Homunculus chamber rolling away behind him.
Shin:
"There's no point in pursuing him now. It seems Rurik is enjoying his life of fame, and it's best if we respect that. And since it's already late... we should find a place to sleep."
Han:
"I know a great pub in the middle of Oasis Edge! We should dine there and grab some ale to cool down the evening a bit."
Isolde:
"I like where you're going with this."
Sam:
"I'm starving. Let's go, Shin."
Shin:
"Alright. Let's go, everyone."
Eva:
"I'm gonna eat a lot of grilled pork and drink so much ale tonight."
Pixie and Ciara nodded excitedly.
As they turned to leave, none of them noticed Rurik lingering at the edge of the stage.
He watched them quietly, expression unreadable.
Then he slipped into the shadows.
The pub was alive with music, laughter, and the smell of grilled meat. Lanterns hung from the ceiling like floating suns, casting warm gold light across wooden tables and polished mugs.
They found a large table near the center. Plates of roasted pork, skewered vegetables, and steaming rice were set down in front of them. Mugs of ale clinked together.
A shadow fell across their table.
A young woman approached — striking, confident, impossible to ignore.
Her long dark hair was styled in an elegant updo, with loose strands framing her face. Red‑tinted rectangular sunglasses rested on her nose. Golden‑amber eyes glimmered behind the lenses. Red lipstick curved into a subtle, knowing smile.
Her left arm was covered in intricate irezumi tattoos — a dragon coiling through red and blue blossoms. She wore a black kimono‑style robe with red accents and a golden dragon embroidered across the back. A thick red obi wrapped her waist, tied with decorative cords. Fingerless gloves and a modern leather belt added a sharp contrast. A large dragon pendant hung at her chest.
She bowed slightly.
Myrtle:
"I'll be your server for tonight. Name's Myrtle."
She winked at Shin.
Sam immediately pinched him hard on the side.
Sam:
"You womanizer!"
Shin:
"I didn't even— ow— Sam—!"
Han burst into laughter.
Han:
"Oh gods—Shin, you're doomed—"
He stood abruptly.
Han:
"Okay—hold on—I need to piss before I explode—"
He stumbled outside, still laughing.
Outside, the night was quiet.
Too quiet.
Han barely unfastened his belt when a shadow moved behind him.
A hand clamped over his mouth.
A blow struck the back of his head.
He collapsed.
He was dragged into the darkness.
Inside, Myrtle poured more drinks.
The group shouted "Kampai!" again and again, unaware.
But as the night deepened, Shin frowned.
Shin:
"Han hasn't come back."
Isolde:
"And I can't sense him anywhere near the pub."
Chrome stood sharply.
Chrome:
"That's not right."
Isolde rushed outside.
She scanned the alley — and saw faint scuff marks, a heel drag, a collapsed imprint.
Signs of a struggle.
She sprinted back inside.
Isolde:
"Han was taken. I can't track him — whoever grabbed him is a professional."
Eva froze, tears welling instantly.
Eva:
"No... Han... no... we need to find him—Shin, please—!"
Shin placed a steady hand on her shoulder.
Shin:
"We will."
A sudden thunk echoed.
Everyone turned.
Myrtle slid the wooden door shut, locking it.
Her sunglasses glinted.
Myrtle:
"I am a friend of Alodia... from the Shadow Company."
Silence.
Myrtle:
"I believe your friend is in grave danger. And I can help you find him."
Shin:
"Can you be trusted? And why didn't you introduce yourself immediately?"
Myrtle:
"I am currently working. I cannot divulge anything unless necessary. My job requires blending in, shifting identities, disappearing into crowds. Alodia already informed me that your group would be arriving. I'm here on assignment investigating a case where people have been vanishing in the streets... and unfortunately, your friend is the newest victim."
Eva wiped her tears.
Eva:
"Then there's no time to waste. Please help us find Han."
Myrtle nodded.
Myrtle:
"I will."
Shin:
"Everyone, we're splitting up. We'll cover more ground."
He pointed quickly.
Shin:
"Isolde, you're with Sam.
Eva, you're with me and Myrtle.
Pixie, Ciara, scout the eastern rooftops.
Chrome, take your wolf and sweep the city."
Chrome:
"I'll be fine. Let's move before it's too late."
Chrome summoned his wolf, sending it sprinting through the streets with its nose low, tracking scents through alleys and side roads.
Sam and Isolde rushed toward the marketplace, questioning shopkeepers, guards, and anyone still awake.
Sam:
"Have you seen a man with a metal arm pass by?"
Isolde:
"Or anyone being dragged? Anything unusual?"
Meanwhile, Pixie and Ciara took to the rooftops, wings fluttering as they scanned the streets from above, searching for any sign of movement or struggle.
Below the city, Shin, Eva, and Myrtle descended into the underground access tunnel behind the pub. The air grew colder, the stone walls damp with moisture.
Myrtle:
"There's a chance we could find him in the sewers. I've scouted most of the buildings and houses in the area during my investigation. The sewer system is the only place I haven't searched yet."
Eva tightened her grip on her spellbook.
Eva:
"Then we must hasten."
Her eyes sharpened with determination. She opened her book, pages fluttering as she chanted.
A soft glow enveloped her hands.
Eva:
"Aura of Alacrity."
A surge of energy burst outward, wrapping around Shin, Eva, and Myrtle. Their bodies felt lighter, faster — the world sharpening around them.
Myrtle blinked in surprise, then smirked.
Myrtle:
"This is great. We'll cover more floors in no time."
She turned to Shin, her expression suddenly serious.
Myrtle:
"Shin... do you trust me?"
Shin frowned slightly.
Shin:
"Why do you ask?"
Myrtle:
"If I speed up and check the rooms alone, I can cover more ground. You and Eva can search the other sections. We'll find him faster that way."
Shin considered it for only a moment before nodding.
Shin:
"That sounds like a great plan. A friend of Alodia is a friend of ours as well. Please call me the moment you find anything."
Myrtle placed a hand over her dragon pendant and bowed her head slightly.
Myrtle:
"Understood. Thank you for trusting me."
With that, she blurred forward, her enhanced speed carrying her deeper into the underground tunnels.
Shin and Eva exchanged a determined glance.
Then they sprinted into the darkness.
Somewhere far from the streets, in a dark room illuminated only by a single overhead lamp, Han hung suspended upside down. His arms were bound. His metallic arm was gone — removed and placed on a table beside him.
A one‑way mirror reflected his helpless form.
A mechanical hum echoed.
Then a distorted voice crackled through hidden speakers.
Voice:
"Wakey wakey, Han of the Fateful Eight... or should I say... Revoked Anarchy."
A maniacal laugh followed.
Han groaned awake, eyes widening as he realized his situation.
Han:
"Who are you?! You won't get away with this! We'll find you — and we'll end your corruption!"
The voice chuckled.
Voice:
"You're giving threats even though you're alone and tied up. Can you feel it? The rush to your head?"
Han:
"I'm not alone. Shin and the others will look for me — and we will put an end to you!"
The voice clicked its tongue.
Voice:
"We shouldn't waste time then. In this room, I've created an experimental liquid. I want to see its reaction when poured over a human."
Han's heartbeat spiked. He struggled violently against his bindings — but they didn't budge.
Voice:
"I wish you luck. Goodbye, Han of the Revoked Anarchy."
A machine slid across the ceiling — a metal casing with vents and tubes. It stopped directly above Han.
Steam hissed as it unlocked.
Han clenched his teeth, eyes squeezing shut.
The casing opened.
A stream of glowing green liquid poured down onto him.
Han's scream tore through the room.
Deep in the tunnels, Myrtle froze.
Myrtle:
"That scream—!"
Shin and Eva heard it too.
Shin:
"It's Han! He's close!"
Eva sprinted forward, tears streaming as she whispered to herself.
Eva:
"You'll be okay, Han... wait for me... I'll be there... please hang on..."
Shin ran beside her, faster than he had ever moved.
They reached a metal door.
Myrtle was already there.
She raised a hand.
Myrtle:
"Shin. Eva. Stop. I strongly suggest that only Shin enters the room."
Eva's breath hitched.
Eva:
"Why? What happened? Let me through!"
Myrtle shook her head, her voice trembling despite her attempt to stay composed.
Myrtle:
"Please... just Shin first."
Confused and tense, Shin stepped forward and pushed the door open.
A wave of smoke rolled out.
The room was dark, silent except for the faint hiss of cooling machinery.
Shin conjured a small flame in his palm, its glow cutting through the haze.
Then he saw it.
A figure lying on the floor.
He stepped closer.
It was Han.
But not the Han he knew.
His body was severely damaged from the chemical exposure. His skin was burned and discolored, his eyes clouded and unresponsive. One of his hands was partially dissolved, leaving only a single pointing finger intact. Half of his face was scarred beyond recognition.
The sight froze Shin in place.
His breath caught. His chest tightened.
He couldn't speak.
Behind him, Myrtle covered her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Eva pushed past them both.
Eva:
"Han—!"
Her scream echoed through the chamber.
She fell to her knees beside him, hands trembling as she reached for her spellbook.
Eva:
"No... no, no, no— Han, please—!"
She pressed her glowing hands over his chest.
Eva:
"Heal!"
Nothing happened.
She tried again.
Eva:
"Heal! Heal! Heal! Please— don't do this to Han!"
Her voice cracked, tears falling onto his burned skin.
Eva:
"My Lord... I have never asked for anything in my life... grant me this one wish... please... heal Han... Heal!"
She cast again and again, her voice breaking, her body shaking.
But the chemical had destroyed too much.
Her magic couldn't reach him.
Shin knelt beside her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Shin:
"Eva... please... stop. You'll hurt yourself."
She clung to him, crying into his chest.
Eva:
"He can't be gone... he can't... Han... please..."
Shin held her tighter, his own eyes burning with grief and fury.
They carried Han out of the underground chamber with the utmost care, his breathing shallow, his body limp. Shin held him firmly, refusing to let anyone else bear the weight. Eva walked beside them, trembling, her hands still glowing faintly from failed healing spells.
They rushed him to the nearest infirmary — a quiet, lantern‑lit building at the edge of Oasis Edge.
Inside, an elderly man stepped forward.
Doctor Eldric.
He carried the gentle presence of someone who had spent a lifetime healing others. His soft gray hair was slightly unkempt, swept back in a scholarly yet approachable way. Round spectacles rested on the bridge of his nose, catching the lantern light as he examined herbs and tools laid neatly on a wooden table.
His warm, steady expression was the kind that instantly put patients at ease — but tonight, even he looked shaken.
Doctor Eldric:
"Lay him here. Quickly."
They placed Han on the infirmary bed. Doctor Eldric immediately began treating him — applying salves, checking his pulse, examining the chemical burns, and stabilizing what little mana flow remained.
Minutes felt like hours.
Finally, the doctor stepped away from the bed and walked toward the group.
Eva rushed to him before he could even speak.
Eva:
"How is Han, doctor? Are we able to treat him? Can we use magic to restore him? Is he going to make it?"
Doctor Eldric raised both hands gently.
Doctor Eldric:
"Calm down, my dear. I understand what you're feeling. But I cannot say for certain what we can do yet. I need to run more tests before I can give a conclusion. This is the first time I've seen damage of this severity."
Isolde stepped forward, voice tight.
Isolde:
"How severe is it?"
Doctor Eldric hesitated.
Doctor Eldric:
"I think it's best we discuss this another time—"
Eva shouted, voice cracking.
Eva:
"Tell us now, doctor! How severe is it?! Give it to us straight!"
Doctor Eldric exhaled slowly, the weight of his words heavy on his shoulders.
Doctor Eldric:
"Alright... but prepare yourselves.
This is unlike anything I've encountered."
The room fell silent.
Doctor Eldric:
"The chemical poured onto him damaged most parts of his body. It disrupted his mana flow — the very energy that allows us to heal ourselves. This substance didn't just harm him physically... it severed his connection to magic."
He paused, adjusting his spectacles.
Doctor Eldric:
"Right now, Han's condition is as follows:
He has only one functioning eye left.
His left eye is completely blinded.
What remains of his right arm is only his pointing finger.
And... both of his legs will need to be dismembered."
The words hit the group like a hammer.
Doctor Eldric:
"I'm sorry to bring you so much bad news. I will continue doing everything I can to restore what is possible. But for now... I suggest you pray for him."
Eva's breath caught.
It was as if the world stopped mid‑motion.
Tears welled up, blurring everything. Her shoulders collapsed inward, as though the weight of the truth pressed her into the earth. She stared blankly ahead, unable to form a single word.
Sam stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she trembled.
The room was filled with grief.
Isolde lowered her hat to cover her face, tears slipping silently down her cheeks.
No one spoke.
No one could.
Shin exhaled shakily.
Shin:
"...Everyone. Let's step outside for a moment."
Sam stayed behind, holding Eva as she trembled beside Han's bed.
The others followed Shin out into the cool night air.
The moment the door closed behind them—
Shin clenched his fist.
His jaw tightened.
And with a roar of anguish, he slammed his fist into the infirmary wall.
The stone cracked.
The wood dented.
Dust rained down.
His breath shook with fury.
Chrome stepped forward, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.
Chrome:
"I understand your frustration, Shin. I feel it too. But we can't let our anger consume us. If we let revenge guide us... then we're no different from the corrupted people we're fighting."
Shin didn't respond. His fist trembled against the cracked wall.
Isolde crossed her arms, her voice low and heavy.
Isolde:
"I hate to agree with him... but this time, he's right."
Silence settled again.
Then Isolde took a slow breath.
Isolde:
"We can still help Han. If you all would allow me... and if you're open to it."
Everyone turned to her.
Even Chrome looked surprised.
Shin straightened, wiping the dust from his knuckles.
Shin:
"We need to ask Eva as well. This concerns her more than anyone."
He turned toward the door.
Shin:
"Pixie, would you mind fetching Sam and Eva for a moment?"
Pixie nodded without hesitation.
Pixie:
"Right away!"
She fluttered inside, wings beating urgently.
Back inside Han's room, the lanternlight flickered softly.
Eva sat beside him, her hands trembling as she gently caressed what remained of his face. Her tears fell silently, one after another, landing on his bandaged skin.
Eva:
"I'm sorry... I was late... I wish I could've made it sooner.
Maybe then... it wouldn't have ended like this..."
Her voice cracked, barely more than a whisper.
She leaned closer, forehead touching the edge of the bed, her shoulders shaking as she cried quietly.
The door opened slowly.
Pixie stepped inside, her wings drooping, her expression soft and careful.
Pixie:
"Eva... Shin needs to discuss something with the group outside for a minute."
She hesitated, then added gently:
Pixie:
"He said... you're needed too."
Eva didn't respond at first.
She kept her hand on Han's cheek, her thumb brushing the uninjured part of his skin as if afraid he would disappear if she let go.
Finally, she turned her head toward Pixie, her eyes red and swollen.
Her voice came out slow... fragile... barely holding together.
Eva:
"Okay..."
She stood shakily, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, though more kept falling.
Sam placed a steadying hand on her back.
Together, they walked toward the door.
Outside, everyone was waiting.
Eva and Sam stepped out of the infirmary slowly. Eva's steps were unsteady, her body weakened by shock and grief. Sam kept a hand on her back to support her as she walked, her eyes unfocused, her breathing shallow.
Shin stepped forward.
Shin:
"Everyone... Isolde has something to discuss regarding Han.
Please... let's hear her out."
Isolde took a breath, gathering her courage. Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed the weight she carried.
Isolde:
"I know very well that Han's life... as we knew it... changed overnight. It's hard to accept the fate he's been given. But right now... we have a chance to help him recover."
Everyone listened in tense silence.
Isolde:
"It's the same technology I used to build his arm. Most of the parts he lost would need to be mechanical... but he would be able to continue living. He wouldn't be helpless. He wouldn't be—"
Before she could finish, Eva lowered her head.
Then she walked toward Isolde... slowly... each step heavy.
When she reached her—
Eva slapped her.
The sound cracked through the night.
Isolde's head snapped to the side, her hat nearly falling off.
Eva shouted, voice breaking:
Eva:
"Stop toying with Han!"
Tears streamed down her face as she turned and ran back inside the infirmary.
Sam immediately followed her.
Outside, the group stood frozen.
Isolde remained still, stunned, her cheek reddening from the slap.
Shin approached her gently.
She didn't look at him.
Her voice trembled.
Isolde:
"I was just trying to help my little brother, Shin...
Was I wrong?"
Her voice cracked on the last word.
Shin stepped forward and pulled her into a hug.
Shin:
"I know. We all know what you were trying to do. We understand.
Right now... Eva is grieving. Her pain is raw.
We have to understand her feelings too."
At those words, Isolde finally broke.
She clutched Shin's coat and cried into his chest, her shoulders shaking violently.
Chrome lowered his head, fists clenched.
Ciara hugged Pixie, both trembling.
Even Myrtle wiped her eyes behind her sunglasses.
And as if the heavens themselves felt their grief—
Heavy rain began to pour over Oasis Edge.
The night grew darker.
The storm grew heavier.
And the fate of Han of the Revoked Anarchy hung in the balance.