"Is this the true power of the Holy Sword Durandal?" Will exclaimed, holding the sword that radiated a golden light, astonished.
"Ah, yes. You are all aware that it can cut through steel as if it were clay, but you do not know its true power. When combined with the user's mental strength, the Holy Sword Durandal can inflict tremendous damage upon evil creatures," Master Hakin explained.
Upon hearing this, Will sprang to his feet with determination. He excitedly brandished the glowing Durandal before Jin and Lisa, showing off his newfound power.
"Will, I suggest you sheathe it for now. If you keep it active like this, it will drain your mental energy. The longer you wield it, the more fatigued you will become," Master Hakin advised.
"Ah, right." Will nodded and immediately sheathed the Holy Sword Durandal at his waist.
"It seems Jin has now fully adapted to controlling the Crimson Dragon Qi within him," Master Hakin remarked, observing Jin, who was sitting in quiet meditation. The surrounding energy of the Crimson Dragon Qi had grown even stronger, and it showed no signs of dissipating.
"Yes, I believe I've grasped the method to control it," Jin replied with his eyes still closed.
"Very well. Since everyone has learned how to control their energy, you may rest for the night," Master Hakin said cheerfully. With a snap of his fingers, a large table materialized before them, laden with an assortment of dishes, and four wine goblets filled with a fragrant red wine.
"We… can we finally eat?" Will asked, his eyes widening at the sight of the abundant food, his hunger having grown unbearable after a whole day without food.
"Yes, indeed. Consider this a gift for your hard work," Master Hakin said, snapping his fingers once more, and four high-backed chairs appeared around the table.
"I'm starving!" Without further hesitation, Will leaped into one of the chairs and began to devour the food voraciously.
...
Meanwhile, at the UN port by the seaside.
Upon receiving the order to eliminate Master Hakin and the others, the burly man named Arno quickly gathered the necessary supplies and made his way to the port, preparing to set sail in search of Hakin.
"Arno, do you need my assistance?" Marcus asked with a sly grin as he watched Arno readying a small boat.
"No, thank you, Marcus. It's been ten years, and I am no longer the man I once was," Arno said confidently.
"Is that so? Just remember Hakin's time manipulation magic. We suffered a great loss because of that spell," Marcus warned.
"I won't allow him to use that spell again," Arno replied with a fierce resolve.
"Very well, good luck to you."
"I'll return soon with Hakin's and the young king's heads," Arno said as he jumped into the boat and began rowing swiftly eastward toward the UN's base.
...
Back in the training area, after their long-awaited meal, Will and Jin resumed their training.
"Alright, you should both be full by now. Continue training until tomorrow morning," Master Hakin smiled as he addressed the silent, focused Will and Jin.
"Yes, Master," they responded resolutely.
"Lisa, I must take my leave. There are still many matters waiting for me at the refuge," Master Hakin said.
"Very well. Leave them to me, Master. I will make sure they don't slack off," Lisa replied, her tone firm.
"Good. I'm pleased with your diligence," Master Hakin said as he waved his hand, opening a portal before stepping through it, returning to the refuge.
"Alright, even though Master Hakin is gone, don't think you can slack off," Lisa said sternly, snapping her fingers. A chair materialized, and she sat down, watching over Will and Jin as they continued their training.
...
Late that night, outside the refuge.
The sea at night was eerily quiet, with only the moon to illuminate the dark expanse. A small boat, piloted by Arno, slowly drifted toward the refuge's location, having arrived at his destination with great speed.
"Let's see where you've hidden yourselves," Arno murmured, standing on the rocking boat as he took out his spyglass and scanned the cliffside for any signs of the refuge.
"Ah, a corridor—clearly marked," Arno muttered as he spotted the pathway leading up the cliff toward the refuge.
Once he confirmed his target, Arno swiftly steered the boat toward the cliffside. His movements were swift and silent, so much so that Will and the others, who had been training atop the mountain, never heard a sound. Truly, Arno was a master of assassination.
Moments later, Arno reached the rocky outcrop at the cliff's base. He gathered the poison, knife, and tools he needed from the boat before beginning his climb up toward the refuge.
Inside the refuge, however, the mages remained unaware of the imminent danger. Most had already retreated to their rooms at the top of the hall to rest. The only one still awake was Master Hakin, who sat beside the unconscious King Sam II, recounting the events of the past few days.
"Your Majesty, I've found two young individuals with Roland blood. They possess immense power. With their help, we may truly defeat the Shadow Council," Master Hakin said, his voice tinged with emotion. "I wish you could wake and see this."
Suddenly, there was a tremendous explosion, and in an instant, the entire hall of the refuge was engulfed in flames, the shockwave destroying everything in its path.
"What's happening?" Master Hakin immediately ran out of King Sam II's room, only to be greeted by a wall of smoke and fire.
From the thick black smoke, a voice called out.
"It's been a long time, Hakin."
"Who are you?" Master Hakin asked, his voice trembling with confusion.
From the smoke, Arno emerged slowly, a sinister grin on his face.
"The Shadow Council," Master Hakin gasped in realization.
"At last, I've found you," Arno snarled.
...
The explosion caught the attention of Will, Jin, and Lisa, who were still training.
"What was that sound?" Will asked, his eyes snapping open.
"I don't know," Jin replied, standing up and scanning the surroundings.
"Could it be the refuge?" Lisa's heart sank as she rushed to the mountaintop to look in the direction of the refuge.
"There's smoke coming from the refuge. Could it be the Shadow Council?" Lisa exclaimed in fear.
"It can't be. The Shadow Council shouldn't know where we are. Could it have been a magical accident from Master Hakin?" Will suggested.
"Idiot, do you think someone of Master Hakin's caliber would make such a trivial mistake?" Lisa snapped, clearly annoyed.
"Look, there's a boat near the cliffs below the refuge," Jin pointed out, his gaze sharp.
"Damn it, someone is really here. We have to go back—grab my shoulder!" Lisa commanded, quickly raising her hands to cast a teleportation spell. Will and Jin, their expressions grim, hurried over and grasped her shoulders as they teleported back to the refuge.