Legend of the Divine Archer

Together, they ascended, cutting through the inky blackness of the sky, leaving the world below behind. The only sound now was the powerful rush of the wind, mingling with the soft, rhythmic beats of Scara's wings as they flew into the endless night. The stars above twinkled faintly, as if watching the two figures disappear into the endless expanse.

A smile slowly crept onto Yan Jin's face as he spread his arms wide, allowing the cold wind to flow over his body. This was freedom—true freedom like he had never felt before. For a brief moment, the weight of everything fell away—the worries, the pressures, the obligations. Up here, among the stars, there was nothing but the exhilaration of the wind and the freedom of the open sky.

And just like that, they were gone, swallowed by the sky itself, their silhouettes vanishing into the dark. Their destination was a secret known only to them, but for now, the night seemed to hold its breath, sensing the beginning of something far larger than any single person.

The sun began to rise, painting the horizon with a delicate warmth. The first rays of light scattered across the sky, offering relief from the oppressive darkness of the night. As the world stirred awake, the sound of life echoed in crescendo. Workers rose from their rest, preparing for the day's tasks, while distant birds began their morning calls.

Inside their temporary quarters in Babel Tower, the quiet was broken by the low groans and moans of Zhang San, who woke up with a throbbing headache and a sore body from the intense drinking the night before. His movements were sluggish as he rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the remnants of the night's revelry. The others stirred one by one, groaning in sympathy as they regained their senses.

"He's gone, without a proper goodbye," Lee Ann said softly, a hint of melancholy in her voice as she looked toward the door where Yan Jin had left.

"He probably thinks we'll meet again," Yan Bai replied, rubbing his eyes groggily. He too felt the sting of Yan Jin's departure, but his tone was laced with understanding. They all knew that Yan Jin's journey would take him far from them.

"We probably need to get going before the zenith," Wei Xi suggested, his voice still heavy with sleep. His body was slow to respond, but his mind was already calculating the steps ahead. Time was precious now, and they couldn't afford to waste any of it.

Lee Ann, already more awake, pulled out a small leather pouch and handed it to Yan Bai. "Here. Some living expenses," she said, the warmth in her voice a quiet contrast to the coldness that had settled in after Yan Jin's departure. "Don't give it to the blind man. He'll just waste the money."

Yan Bai took the pouch with a grateful nod. "Thank you," he said sincerely, his words carrying a deep gratitude for the gesture. His fingers closed around the sack of bank notes, the weight of it grounding him for a moment.

--

As the group prepared to leave, the Babel Tower was alive with energy. The cheers of other travelers echoed through the halls as they made their way out of the building. Those who had witnessed the group's ascension clapped and hollered, raising their voices in admiration for the strength they had displayed. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie, of battles fought and friendships forged.

Outside the tower, the bustling market streets greeted them. Stalls were already opening, hawking their wares, and the city buzzed with the early-morning energy of new beginnings. The travelers, knowing that their paths would soon diverge, exchanged final words.

Wei Xi and Yan Bai, as silent as ever, mounted their spears. In a single motion, they lifted into the sky, soaring away from the Babel Tower, their figures soon swallowed by the horizon. They were a pair bound by destiny and silence, but the bond between them was unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Zhang San and Lee Ann joined the Treasure Pavilion members, their group ready to head toward the teleportation gate a town over.

--

In the dark corners, where light barely touched, a few shadowy figures lingered, their gazes fixated on the departing group.

The first figure squinted into the dim light of the marketplace. "Huang?" they questioned, their voice lower than a whisper. "He's not among them, is he?"

"No," the second figure replied, shaking their head. "I am sure he left the tower too. One of them will lead us to him."

The two watched as the group split into pairs. Wei Xi and Yan Bai, calm as ever, mounted their spears and vanished into the distance, flying toward the horizon. .

The second figure nodded, but their gaze remained locked on the other two: Zhang San and Lee Ann, who had joined the Treasure Pavilion members. "What about them?" the second figure asked.

"Could be," the first figure agreed, eyes flicking toward the gate. "But they wouldn't leave the tower so openly unless they had their own plan. If Huang's here, I think he'd want them to leave unnoticed. Maybe he's with them. Or maybe they're just a diversion."

The second figure's lips twisted into a grim smile. "Either way, they'll lead us to him. We just have to follow the right trail."

The first figure paused, assessing the scene before them. The city buzzed with life in the early morning, oblivious to the quiet pursuit unfolding in its shadows. "We'll split. I'll follow Yan Bai and Wei Xi. You track Zhang San and Lee Ann. ."

The second figure nodded, a silent agreement between them. As a few more shadows faded into the darkness, they followed their targets at a safe distance.

Yan Bai and Wei Xi were ahead now, their spears cutting through the air, the sound of the wind brushing past them. Meanwhile, Zhang San and Lee Ann, still oblivious to the quiet following footsteps behind them, made their way toward the teleportation gate.

And as the last echoes of their departure faded, the Babel Tower stood in silence once more.