The Final Chance

Chaos

" Cale " Talking
' Cale ' Thinking

I don't own the picture on the top, credits to the owner.
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The red-haired youth swiftly noticed their presence and gracefully extended his wings, obscuring the view of the three children.

"How may I be of assistance?" he inquired in a commanding tone, his cold glare and stoic expression sending shivers down their spines.

"We come in peace," Alberu responded promptly after composing himself, keen on not provoking the intimidating being before them.

"How did you stumble upon this place?" inquired the man with piercing reddish-brown eyes, his gaze intense as if sizing up his prey.

"The God Of Death guided us to you; he mentioned we could seek your assistance," Cage responded, now convinced that the individual before her was their last hope.

Upon hearing the name of the mentioned God, the man's demeanor soured even further.

"This motherfu****..." the man muttered under his breath, though his words were crystal clear to those standing before him, causing them to fall silent.

"Damn, can't I catch a break and enjoy life for a moment without being bothered? It's always something with him. I swear, I'll give him a piece of my mind later," the red-haired youth grumbled to himself, oblivious to the conversation unfolding in front of him.

"Did he really just curse a god?" Lock asked nervously.

"He must have really gotten on his nerves to bring out this side of him. He seems alright to me. I kinda like him. I'll definitely share a drink with him sometime," Cage defended.

"Come on, just admit it. You're probably thrilled to finally have someone who shares your sentiments," Choi Han remarked sarcastically.

"That's not the time," Alberu interjected, his tone firm. "Do you have any idea what he is, Eruhaben-nim?" he asked with genuine curiosity, prompting more inquisitive gazes from the group.

"Is he the dragon you sensed earlier?" Beacrox inquired.

"He's not the dragon, but there's definitely one present. I believe he is the black-haired child," Eruhaben revealed. After a brief pause, he continued, "I think he's a phoenix," his expression piqued with interest.

"A WHAT?!" Rosalyn, Tasha, and Pendrick exclaimed in a mix of whispers and yells, while the rest stood there dumbfounded.

"Why the surprise?" Choi Han inquired, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Is it a negative thing?" Lock questioned further, seeking clarification.

"What a magnificent creature," Tasha exclaimed joyfully, clearly reveling in the moment.

"I feel honored," Pendrick expressed, showing his admiration alongside Tasha.

"Let me break it down for you; those two don't seem to be in the right mindset," Alberu interjected, capturing the attention of the perplexed individuals. "Phoenixes are incredibly rare. There was a time when they were threatened as people from various species viewed them as a danger or an opportunity to make a fortune. Their wings and horns were highly valued and sought after, leading to greed," Alberu elaborated. "Over time, they began to dwell in hidden places or lairs, much like dragons. It's been a considerable period since anyone has come across them; most believed they had become extinct," he concluded, receiving conflicted looks from the rest of the group.

"To imagine encountering such a being here, I am truly honored," Rosalyn remarked, eliciting peculiar looks from the rest of the group.

Lost in their own world, they were startled by a feigned cough that drew their attention.

"Ahem, so, when shall we resume our conversation? Hmm, perhaps tomorrow would be suitable. What do you think?" the ethereal figure sarcastically inquired.

"Ahem, please excuse our distraction, sir. We were simply taken aback by the presence of such a distinguished being like yourself, we are genuinely flattered," Alberu swiftly responded, smoothly transitioning to his eloquent speech.

The redhead couldn't help but think, 'There's something about this that doesn't sit right.'

"Strong nixee! Do you want me to eliminate them on your behalf? I am powerful and mighty, after all," the young black-haired child exclaimed loudly as he approached the older redhead alongside the other two.

"No need, Raon. Just remain calm," the redhead responded, causing Raon to scowl, then sulk cutely until the redhead gently patted his head.

"Who would have thought that I would encounter such a scene after a thousand years of existence," Eruhaben inquired. "A dragon engaging in ordinary interactions with other creatures. Quite amusing," he continued.

"He may be a dragon, strong nixee, but I am still stronger than him. Fear not, I will shield you from this Goldie Gramps, strong nixee," the young dragon declared loudly, receiving nods of agreement from the other children. Meanwhile, some adults behind Eruhaben couldn't help but chuckle.

"G-G-Goldie Gramps?" Eruhaben questioned, his very existence seemingly in doubt.

It appeared that they all had forgotten that this was their first encounter and that there were tasks to be completed.

In the midst of it all, a certain redhead maintained a deadpan expression, silently lamenting, 'Ah, my slacker life.'

"So, are you planning to introduce yourselves, perhaps? Hmm~" the older redhead innocently inquired with a smile.

"Ah, yeah, sorry for the confusion again, ha ha," Alberu apologized once more. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alberu Crossman, the crown prince of the Raon Kingdom," he said, presenting his introduction.

"I am Cage."
"Rosalyn."
"Choi Han."
"Lock."
"Mary."
"Pendrick."
"Eruhaben."

"I assume you still recall me, young master," Ron said, smiling kindly, receiving puzzled expressions from everyone except the redhead and Beacrox.

"Do you recognize him?" Rosalyn asked, looking confused.

"Indeed I do. How could I forget the one I served for a full twelve years," Ron responded earnestly, maintaining the same tone and language used on the previous conversations
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