Immortal Lightning – Wings of Freedom

Twenty days had passed since the confrontation with Razor. Between classes, exams, and intense training, the routine of Harry, Vinícius, and Rafael had become an endless marathon. During the week, they attended college in the morning and early afternoon. When the sun began to set, they swapped backpacks for Qi, spells, and martial techniques in the backyard of Vinícius's house.

Rafael, with his experience in martial arts, led the physical training, correcting the postures and techniques of both Harry and Vinícius. At night, they studied spells, affinities, and battle tactics, trying to make the most of every free moment.

But even cultivators need a break.

It was Sunday. A rare day without fights, tasks, and, most importantly, without responsibilities.

Harry was sprawled out on the couch, eyes glued to his phone as he read the backlog of chapters from his favorite novel. Beside him, a stacked list of anime episodes waited to be caught up on.

"Finally… peace," he muttered, letting out a sigh of relief.

But, like everything in a cultivator's life, peace didn't last long.

The living room door swung open with a dry thud.

"Harry!" said Vinícius, breathless, wearing a serious expression.

Harry didn't even have to look up to know his peace was over.

"What is it now?"

"There's been another disappearance. In the South Wing. Same pattern as before. It happened three days ago… and the news is covering it up."

Harry closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling slowly.

"Of course…" He got up. "Call Rafael. We need to talk."

A few minutes later, the three were gathered in Vinícius's living room. The atmosphere was tense.

"First of all," said Harry, "how are we on money?"

They looked at each other… and, as if performing a sad choreography, all turned their pockets inside out at the same time. Empty.

"Fantastic," Harry said. "Our first obstacle, as always: money."

"Don't even look at me," grumbled Vinícius. "You came to live here, my allowance only drops on the 1st, and I can barely afford instant noodles."

"I only teach voluntarily at the gym," said Rafael. "I don't even charge, it's more out of passion. So… yeah, I'm broke too."

Harry ran a hand over his face.

"We need resources. Equipment, defensive items, durable clothes… but without money, we'll have to improvise."

He turned to Vinícius.

"You said the disappearances are happening again in the South Wing, right?"

"Yeah. Since we faced the rats with that supernatural guy there, it was quiet for a while. But now it's all happening again. Same pattern."

Harry frowned.

"That means the supernatural guy isn't there anymore… Either way, it's suspicious."

He looked at Rafael.

"Ready to take a risk again? This is going to be dangerous. It's not training, not a simulation. We could die."

Rafael smiled slightly, adjusting the cuff of the worn-out hoodie he always wore.

"Isn't that what we trained for? If I was going to back down at the first obstacle, I would've stayed at my gym."

Vinícius nodded, already grabbing the equipment.

"Let's go before I change my mind."

Minutes later, the three were ready. Harry wore the same reinforced jacket from before, with internal plates. Vinícius carried his short knife. Rafael… well, he wore the same sports clothes as always, his body strengthened by Qi and his muscles ready for any fight.

The sun was already going down when they arrived at the place: the forgotten entrance to the sewer system where they had fought the demonic rats weeks earlier.

The atmosphere was different. Even more silent. But not empty.

"This is where we faced the first group…" said Harry, eyes alert. "Let's stick together. No splitting up."

They descended cautiously, Vinícius's flashlight illuminating the way. To avoid getting lost, he marked the ground with arrows made of white chalk.

"If any of these marks disappear… we run," he said, half joking, half serious.

The air in the tunnels was dense. The smell of mold and rot seemed even worse than the last time. And then, suddenly…

The necklace around Harry's neck emitted a faint glow.

Harry stopped immediately, raising his arm in a signal to halt.

"Stop. Now."

Vinícius froze. So did Rafael.

Harry touched the necklace, feeling the Qi resonating softly.

"There's something here. Something strong."

They immediately took up a triangular formation. Rafael stepped back, fists clenched. Vinícius prepared his water spell, murmuring softly. And Harry advanced slowly, guided by the increasingly pulsating glow of the necklace.

"Stay sharp…" he muttered. "If it's like last time, we'll have to work together."

And so, with hearts racing and senses on high alert, they moved deeper into the tunnel...