AK : RISING MYTHIC

The gentle hum of the morning wind passed through the opened window of the ward as sunlight bathed the pale stone walls in a soft glow. Inside, Arslan sat up in his bed, a pillow supporting his back. Though his face still looked pale, his sharp eyes carried a sense of regained will. The other Mythics stood around, either leaning against the walls or seated beside him.

Arslan (calmly):

"You all saw how Seris and Orien used Soul Viper Crush in the demon site near the Iron Mine. That technique… it was effective."

A few nods followed. Seris smiled faintly, crossing her arms with a hint of pride.

Orien (grinning):

"Well, that was some heat-of-the-moment creativity."

Seris (playfully):

"Still saved your life, didn't it?"

Everyone chuckled lightly.

Arslan (soft but assertive):

"I want you all to focus on combo skill training. Not just within your closest teammates… try pairing with others too. Test different skill synergies. Something unique might emerge… Something deadly."

Tharion stepped forward, his usual serious tone now supportive.

Tharion:

"That's a good idea. These creatures… they're evolving. We must too."

Vaelith (smirking):

"Maybe I'll try combining with Malrik this time. Earthshock with Rune Surge might shake the mountain."

Malrik:

"Or collapse the training ground."

A few laughs echoed around the ward. The tone was light, but the meaning was heavy. Everyone knew what Arslan had gone through. The sight of his unconscious body, dripping with dark blood and cursed markings, had shaken them all. But today, seeing him alive, conscious, and issuing training orders, filled them with quiet relief.

Arslan shifted his legs slightly, trying to move more.

Arslan (sighing):

"I wish I could join the training. But… this weakness—"

His voice broke slightly as he clenched his fist.

Yuna stepped closer and gently placed a hand over his.

Yuna (warmly):

"You being awake is already a miracle. No one's rushing you."

Arslan (softly, trying to smile):

"I know… but it hurts more when I can't fight with you."

A silence fell for a moment. The kind where everyone felt the weight of their shared battles. Then Nirela, arms crossed and an amused smile on her lips, broke it.

Nirela:

"Then let's take you out for fresh air. You've been locked up in this room long enough."

Seris (nodding):

"Yes! Let's head to the courtyard. It's warm today."

Tharion:

"I'll carry him."

Arslan (grinning faintly):

"I can walk. Just… help me up."

With Yuna on one side and Tharion on the other, Arslan slowly stood. His steps were careful, like testing the floor with each movement. As they stepped out, the base corridors filled with the soft sounds of boots, chatter, and the distant chirping of birds outside.

Courtyard – Mythic Base

The courtyard was bright, kissed by the early noon sun. The stone floor was warm, and wind rustled the banners hanging from the nearby tower walls. A tree with white blossoms swayed near the center, petals occasionally drifting down.

Arslan took a deep breath as he sat on a bench, gazing up at the soft blue sky. The others sat in a half-circle around him, relaxing after days of anxiety.

Arslan (relieved):

"This feels… good. I missed the air."

Orien (teasing):

"We missed you too. But don't think we didn't enjoy fighting while you were sleeping."

Zhalya (grinning):

"Yeah, while you were tucked into your bed, we were out dancing with demons."

Arslan (smirking):

"Then next time, you take the hit that stops your heart. I'll do the dancing."

Laughter followed. Loud and unfiltered.

Kyren (jokingly):

"Don't tempt her, Arslan. Zhalya might actually try that."

Zhalya (grinning):

"Depends who I get to rescue."

Nirela blushed slightly at the teasing. Arslan shook his head, but there was a warmth in his smile that hadn't been there for days.

Malrik (serious):

"But really, Arslan, how are you now?"

Arslan (sighing):

"Better. The pain is still there… in my chest. But it's fading."

Elyra (softly):

"You scared all of us."

Arslan:

"I scared myself too…"

His voice trailed off for a moment. He looked at his hand, flexing his fingers slowly.

Arslan (quietly):

"Something changed. I don't fully understand it yet."

A short silence passed.

Maelis (gently):

"Then we'll wait with you. Understand it together."

Tarric (nodding):

"We've seen the worst. We'll face what comes next… as Mythics."

Arslan:

"You all are more than teammates. You're my strength."

Seris tapped her foot on the stone floor, leaning forward.

Seris:

"Enough with the emotional stuff. We still need to test new combo skills."

Vaelith (laughing):

"She's right. We can't fall behind while you recover."

Arslan (grinning):

"Try new partners. Break patterns. Fight outside your comfort."

Orien (mock serious):

"Wait. Seris and I are an official combo now. Breaking that would be betrayal!"

Seris (mock scolding):

"You're replaceable."

More laughter echoed around the courtyard.

Birds flew overhead, the wind played through their clothes and hair, and in that moment, there was peace.

As the sun cast long rays across the courtyard, Nirela stood beside Arslan.

Nirela (softly):

"Want to head back inside?"

Arslan (smiling):

"Not yet. Just five more minutes… This silence feels like home."

And so, they sat, surrounded by friends, light laughter, and the calm before the next storm.