BALLAD OF THE TRACIENTS

Razik's smoldering eyes darted across the battlefield as the dust settled. His fur bristled, and a snarl curled his lips as he took in the figure now standing in his way. King Darius, the ruler of Archen Land, had descended upon the battlefield with an aura so powerful that the very air seemed to hum with his presence. He stood tall, radiating strength, his brown fur with creamy- white patches catching the light in the most regal of ways. His two sharp brown horns gleamed in the aftermath of the battle, and the golden nose ring that adorned him only added to his air of authority. Over his shoulders draped a bright lemon-green royal cloak, fluttering softly in the wind. On his bare chest, an unrecognisable symbol with the numeral #1 can be observed.

But it wasn't just Darius's appearance that had rattled Razik; it was the overwhelming presence of the bull Tracient's mana—a force so strong it felt like the weight of a mountain pressing down on everything nearby.

Razik, despite his best efforts, could not hide the flicker of fear in his eyes. He screamed in defiance, his voice echoing across the battlefield, trying to mask the tremor of dread that had begun to seep into his bones. "You won't interfere, Darius! This is my fight!"

But Darius remained unfazed, standing firm in the debris of what was once a town under his protection. He cast his calm, lemon-green eyes toward Razik, his expression betraying neither anger nor worry, only a quiet and commanding authority.

"It's not like you have a choice," Darius replied, his voice low and unyielding. "The trio is now under my protection. And that means whoever dares to harm them must first face me." He glanced around at the destruction Razik had caused—the shattered buildings, the fallen soldiers, and the burning ruins that lined the town. His gaze hardened as he continued, "I cannot forgive anyone who harms my subjects."

As he spoke, the mana surrounding Darius became more visible, glowing with a fierce intensity. It enveloped him like a storm of power, the energy crackling and shifting like a barrier of sheer will. The trio—Kon, Trevor, and Kopa, who were still barely conscious—could feel the weight of it, the sheer pressure of the mana radiating from the king.

Trevor, his breath ragged, stared in awe at the scene before him. "That... that's unreal," he muttered through gritted teeth.

Kon, although still weak, managed to murmur, "His power is on a completely different level."

Darius extended his hands forward, and with a smooth, almost casual gesture, he summoned his weapon. "Come, Baltaçek," he intoned, and at once, a massive weapon materialized in his hands. The weapon's head was both an axe and a hammer, a dual force of destruction. The ground beneath Darius's feet trembled as the weapon appeared, crackling with the same intense green mana that surrounded him.

Razik snarled, backing away slightly but quickly catching himself. His voice shook with fury as he spat, "I won't allow you to interfere!" With a furious roar, Razik raised his arm and unleashed a flurry of plasma beads, each one hurtling toward Darius with the speed of light.

But Darius moved with a speed none of them expected. His cloak billowed behind him as he charged directly into the storm of plasma beads, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris in his wake. The ground beneath him cracked as he moved, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

"Fast!" Kon gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Too fast," Trevor added, struggling to comprehend the sheer force behind Darius's movements. "I've never seen anyone move like that."

Razik's plasma beads were deadly and fast—Kon and Trevor had barely been able to dodge them in the past, relying on sheer instinct and reaction. But Darius didn't dodge. He charged straight through them, the beads hitting him but bouncing off his thick mana barrier as if they were nothing more than a light breeze. Each bead that made contact exploded violently, sending out waves of heat and energy, but Darius emerged unscathed, his face calm, focused.

Without slowing, Darius flipped Baltaçek in his grip, turning the weapon so that its sharp axe side faced forward. With a powerful, single swing, he brought it crashing down upon the massive sphere of energy that Razik had created. The axe cleaved through the energy like it was cutting through air, splitting the destructive orb in half.

The result was instantaneous.

A colossal explosion erupted from the impact, fire and debris spreading outward in a violent wave. The very air ignited in a blaze of indigo and orange, and the entire town seemed to be swallowed by the force of the blast. Kon and Trevor, still in their Grand Forms, could only watch as the explosion engulfed everything around them. They braced for the worst, knowing that nothing could survive such devastation.

But just as the firestorm reached them, Kon raised his hands and activated his Interium Arcem, erecting a shimmering barrier of energy around himself and the others. The intense mana held firm, protecting them from the worst of the explosion. The force of the blast shook the ground and roared in their ears, but the barrier held.

When the dust finally began to settle, the battlefield had been reduced to a wasteland of scorched earth. Buildings were nothing but rubble, and many of Kopa's soldiers lay unconscious or worse. The remnants of Razik's army were scattered, their bodies broken and burned. But to everyone's surprise, most of Kopa's remaining forces were enveloped in a gentle green glow—the same mana that radiated from Darius. They were alive, and they were healing.

Kon's breathing was ragged, but his barrier had held. Trevor, still in his Grand Maymum form, was exhausted but alive. They stared across the battlefield, their eyes drawn to the epicenter of the explosion where Darius stood, unharmed, amidst the devastation.

Razik, though battered and bruised, was still standing as well. He was panting heavily, his fur scorched and singed from the explosion. His eyes were wild with fury, but beneath that, there was a flicker of fear.

Razik cursed under his breath, his voice filled with venom. "Damn you, Darius!" he growled. He glared at the bull Tracient with hatred burning in his eyes, but he knew he was outmatched. With a final snarl, he disappeared in a flash, his form dissolving into the shadows as he retreated.

The rest of Razik's army, those who were still able to move, quickly followed suit, fleeing the battlefield and leaving their fallen behind.

As the battlefield fell silent, Darius turned, his calm expression unchanged. He strode toward Kon and Trevor, his heavy footsteps echoing in the quiet. The king smiled slightly, his eyes kind despite the fierce battle that had just taken place.

"My apologies for the inconvenience," Darius said softly, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. He reached out and placed a hand on both Kon and Trevor, and the instant he did, they felt a rush of healing energy wash over them. The exhaustion in their limbs faded, their minds cleared, and their strength returned. It was as if they had never fought at all.

Darius then moved toward Adam and Kopa, who were still unconscious. With a gentle touch, he placed his hand on each of them, and soon they began to stir, their eyes fluttering open as they regained consciousness.

Kon, watching the scene unfold, narrowed his eyes in understanding. "So that's it," he murmured. "That's how you could take those plasma beads head-on without even flinching. And it's also how you managed to stand in the midst of Razik's attack without being affected."

Darius turned to Kon, a knowing smile on his face.

"You have a healing-type Arcem, don't you?" Kon continued. "That's how you protect the people around you."

Darius nodded, his green eyes sparkling with amusement. "I do have a healing Arcem," he confirmed, "but the reason I survived Razik's attacks wasn't because of my Arcem alone." He paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in. "It's because I am a Narn Lord."

Kon and Trevor exchanged surprised looks, both caught off guard by this revelation. Before they could ask more, however, Kopa stirred fully awake, and Darius turned his attention to him.

"Kopa," Darius said with a light-hearted tone, "it's unlike you to be caught off guard like this."

Kopa, still groggy, rubbed his forehead in embarrassment. "I… I wasn't expecting that level of attack from Razik," he admitted, his voice filled with shame. "I let my guard down."

Darius smiled gently, letting the matter slide. "You did well, all things considered."

With a wave of his hand, Darius released a pulse of mana that spread across the battlefield, enveloping the remaining soldiers from his army. Their wounds began to heal instantly, and those who had fallen unconscious stirred and slowly rose to their feet. The group watched in awe as Darius healed his forces from a distance, his power flowing through the air like a soothing breeze.

"That's incredible," Trevor said softly, watching the scene with wide eyes.

Adam, now fully awake and on his feet, approached Darius, his expression filled with respect. Darius smiled warmly at him, extending his hand in greeting.

"It's an honor to meet you, Adam Kurt," Darius said, bowing his head slightly. His voice was filled with genuine respect, and his eyes shone with warmth as he greeted Adam. The bull Tracient's presence was calming despite the immense power he had just displayed in battle.

Adam, still feeling the lingering effects of Darius's healing touch, stood up straighter, offering a small smile. "The honor is mine, Your Majesty."

Darius let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Please, no need for formalities. I'm simply a guardian, like all of you."

Trevor, now fully recovered, stretched his arms and bounced on his feet, his usual playful energy returning. "Well, if you're just a guardian, I'd hate to see what you're like when you're serious." He whistled, glancing around at the battlefield that had been reduced to rubble. "That was one hell of a show back there."

Darius smiled at Trevor's compliment, though his expression remained modest. "I do what is necessary to protect my people and those who fight for Narn's future." His gaze turned serious as he looked over the remnants of the destroyed town. "Razik's cruelty knows no bounds. I won't tolerate anyone harming my subjects."

Kon stepped forward, his mind still on the earlier revelation. "You said you're one of the Narn Lords," he began, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "But how? We thought the only remaining Grand Lords were those tied to the Aryas."

Darius's eyes flickered with recognition of Kon's question. He stood tall, crossing his powerful arms across his broad chest, the milky gold patches of his fur reflecting the faint light. His gaze, calm and composed, fell on each of them as he spoke. "There's much about Narn's history that even the most learned have forgotten or… neglected. I inherited more than just the Arya of Evolution. Like you, I am bound to this land's fate."

Adam, still processing the scope of what Darius had just revealed, spoke quietly. "Then you're... the Grand Lord of the Bull Tracients?"

Darius nodded. "Yes, I am. My ancestors have protected Archen Land for centuries, and our lineage has carried the Arya of Evolution since its creation. As you may already know, the Aryas were given to the first Grand Lords to ensure the balance of the world. And now, it falls to us to protect that balance once more."

Kon and Trevor both absorbed this information, their expressions a mix of awe and understanding. They had each come to terms with their roles as Grand Lords of their respective clans, but to see Darius—a fellow wielder of an Arya—display such power and leadership was inspiring.

Trevor grinned, his tail swaying behind him. "Looks like we're in good company, then."

Darius's expression softened, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Indeed. You're each Grand Lords in your own right, and you've already begun to fulfill your destinies."

Then, with a more formal air, Darius straightened his posture and faced Adam, Kon, and Trevor. "I welcome you, Grand Lords of Narn. Adam Kurt, King of Narn, Kon Kaplan of the Tigers, and Trevor Maymum of the Monkeys. You are the future of this land, and together, we will see it restored."

Adam blinked, his heart skipping a beat at the title. King of Narn. It sounded foreign to him. Up until this point, he hadn't thought much of his lineage or his right to lead. He had simply been fighting to survive, to protect those he cared about. But now, with Darius standing before him and recognizing his role as a Grand Lord, the weight of it all settled on his shoulders.

"I... I don't know if I'm ready for that," Adam admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

Darius placed a strong hand on Adam's shoulder, his eyes filled with understanding. "None of us are ever truly ready. But you have already proven your worth, Adam. You have the blood of Narn's greatest leaders in your veins, and you have the Arya of Creation. Whether you realize it or not, you are already leading."

Adam felt a surge of warmth and reassurance at Darius's words. He wasn't sure if he fully believed it yet, but hearing it from someone like Darius—a true leader—gave him a sense of hope.

Kon cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "So, what's the plan from here? Razik's not going to stop, and we still don't know what the Shadow is planning."

Darius nodded gravely. "You're right. Razik's retreat is only temporary. He'll return, and next time, he'll be more prepared." He glanced at the remnants of the town, the destruction still fresh. "But for now, we must regroup. You'll need rest, and there are still many things we need to discuss. We've only scratched the surface of what's coming."

Trevor, who had been bouncing on his feet with renewed energy, suddenly remembered something. "Hey, speaking of Razik, did you guys see the look on his face when you showed up, Darius?" He laughed, his grin wide. "He was totally freaked out."

Kon smirked. "He was more than freaked out. He was afraid."

Darius's expression grew thoughtful. "Razik knows my strength, but it's not me he fears. He fears what we represent—He fears the prophecy."

Trevor tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "The prophecy?"

Darius's eyes met Trevor's, his expression serious. "Yes. The prophecy that speaks of the return of the Grand Lords and the restoration of Narn. Razik and his master, the Shadow, have done everything they can to keep the prophecy from coming to pass. But now that the three of you have begun to gather, their fear is only growing."

Adam, Kon, and Trevor exchanged glances, the gravity of Darius's words sinking in. The prophecy had been mentioned before, but now it seemed more real than ever. They were no longer just fighting for survival—they were fighting for the future of Narn itself.

Darius's expression softened once more. "But for now, let's leave the battles for tomorrow. We'll head to my castle. There, we can rest and plan our next steps."

Adam nodded, his resolve hardening. "We're with you."

With that, Darius gestured for them to follow, and they began their journey toward the towering walls of Archen Land's capital, its outline barely visible in the distance. As they walked, Kopa, now fully recovered, took his place beside Darius, his head lowered slightly in respect.

"It's unlike you to be knocked out, Kopa," Darius teased, a smile playing on his lips.

Kopa's ears flattened in embarrassment, and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I… I wasn't expecting that form of attack from Razik, Your Majesty. I let my guard down."

Darius chuckled, his eyes filled with warmth. "You fought well, Kopa. Don't let one mistake weigh you down."

With a wave of his hand, Darius sent out another pulse of green mana, healing the remaining soldiers who had fallen during the battle. Those who had been gravely injured stirred and rose, their strength returning as Darius's healing power washed over them. The sight left Adam, Kon, and Trevor in awe of the king's abilities.

"He's something else," Trevor muttered, watching as Darius healed his men from afar.

Kon nodded, his respect for the king growing. "He's not just a leader. He's a protector."

Once all the soldiers were healed and the remnants of Razik's forces had fully retreated, Darius turned to face the trio once more. He offered them a smile, a glimmer of hope in his lemon-green eyes.

"Let's head home," he said, his voice gentle yet commanding. "There's much to discuss, and you have a kingdom to reclaim."

With the sun setting behind them, casting long shadows over the battered town, Adam, Kon, Trevor, and Kopa followed Darius toward the distant capital of Archen Land. The journey ahead would not be easy, but for the first time, they had a sense of unity, of purpose, and the knowledge that they were not alone in this fight.