The weight of tension inside all the majestic chambers of the Elemental Sage's Office was hauntingly oppressive.
The entire ambiance carved from ancient crystal - sparkled under warm light. Shelves filled the room to bursting with old scrolls, maps, and artifacts from Aetheria's past.
Seated in the heart of it all was Sayuri, the new Elemental Sage, clad in robes that twinkled like the stars themselves. Before her stood a man who projected an unusual, laid-back energy that even the strongest warriors would find unsettling in their mere presence.
He had long unkempt hair, a scar running across the bridge of his nose, and a giant scroll strapped to his back. His name: Master Jiro-the legendary traveler, expert in forbidden arts and wielder of ancient elemental knowledge.
Heaving a pause full of sighs, Sayuri then proclaimed, "They are very much not ready," worries betraying her voice. "Riku, Mira, Kira... even Taro... they're strong, but not strong enough to face what's coming."
Master Jiro snickered under his breath. "Well, they do have the spirit. But spirit alone doesn't win wars."
Meanwhile, Riku waited impatiently at the foot of the barricaded tower.
Then, with a loud cry of creaking timber, the big doors opened wide, and out walked Master Jiro-whistling unceremoniously.
Riku blinked up at him.
"Uh... who are you?"
The man laughed heartily, throwing an arm around Riku's shoulders.
"Kid, I'm Jiro. The one who's gonna turn you into something actually dangerous."
Riku stared ahead, confused.
"What do you mean?"
Then, Sayuri stepped forward: "Riku. All of you. You need to become stronger-much stronger. Master Jiro will take you under his wing. You will leave Aetheria... for three years."
Riku's heart dropped.
"Three... years?"
Sayuri nodded solemnly.
"You won't survive what's coming otherwise. The Shadow Syndicate is gathering forces beyond anything you can imagine."
At that moment, Taro appeared, a determined expression on his face.
"I'm not waiting," said Taro coldly. "I have my mission-avenge my clan. When I come back, I'll be strong enough to crush my cousin."
With that statement, Taro turned and walked away into the mist, without any further discussion.
Riku clenched his fists tightly.
"I won't fall behind. I'll train harder than anyone!"
Master Jiro laughed again.
"That's a smart kid. Now come on, brat. We've got to work."
As Riku, Mira, and Kira stole one last look at Aetheria before departing into the unknown future-a future of brutal training, self-discovery, and becoming true warriors of legend-the sun slipped behind the floating islands.