LEGENDS OF ELDORIA

CHAPTER 10

As the night settled over the citadel, the dorms were a mix of quiet conversations and restless sleep. The peace was abruptly shattered by a loud, deafening explosion that shook the building. The sound echoed through the halls, sending a wave of panic through the students.

In the boys' dorm, the sudden burst of noise jolted everyone awake. The students rushed to their windows, their eyes widening in shock as they saw one of the citadel units engulfed in flames. The building had been reduced to a smoldering wreck, the explosion having blown out several walls.

"Everyone, get out of the building!" an officer shouted through a megaphone, urgency clear in his voice.

As students scrambled to get outside, Kai and Zariel exchanged a tense glance. The urgency of the situation was reflected in their eyes, and without a word, they leaped from their windows, expertly landing on the ground below. Their silent communication spoke volumes—there was no time for hesitation.

Outside, the other students gathered with the rest of the classes. Fear and confusion were evident on their faces. Elara, her heart racing, scanned the crowd for familiar faces. "Where's Kai?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Azim looked around, his own worry evident. "And Zariel? Do you think they're okay?"

An officer approached them, his expression grim. "Kai and Zariel are on their way to the scene. They jumped out of the window before we could stop them. Stay here and remain safe. We don't know what else might happen."

Elara's eyes widened in concern. "But they might need help!"

The officer shook his head. "Right now, it's too dangerous. We have to make sure all of you are safe and accounted for."

As the officers began organizing the students into groups and ensuring everyone was accounted for, Elara, Azim, and the others were left with a mix of anxiety and helplessness. The noise of the explosion had died down, but the smoke and chaos that followed were a stark reminder of the danger they faced.

Meanwhile, Kai and Zariel raced toward the site of the explosion. Their training and experience allowed them to navigate the chaos with precision. As they approached the damaged unit, the scene was even more horrifying up close. Flames still licked the edges of the wreckage, and the structure was in ruins. They could hear distant cries for help and the sound of people scrambling to provide aid.

Kai and Zariel moved with purpose. Kai's demeanor was as stoic as ever, but there was an underlying intensity in his movements. Zariel, on the other hand, was driven by a mix of determination and concern. He knew that his role as a defender was crucial now more than ever.

Together, they began helping with the rescue efforts. They found injured students and staff, working to get them to safety. Kai's skills were evident in his swift and precise actions, while Zariel used his strength and tactical knowledge to coordinate the rescue operations.

Back at the dorms, Elara's worry grew as she watched the officers work. She tried to stay calm, but her mind kept drifting back to Kai and Zariel. The night had turned into a tense waiting game, filled with uncertainty and dread.

The minutes ticked by slowly, and the chaos outside gradually began to subside. The officers continued their work, trying to bring order to the situation. Elara and the other students could only hope for the best as they waited for news of their friends and the fate of the citadel.

Eventually, the explosion's aftermath was contained, and the injured were being treated. Kai and Zariel returned, their expressions reflecting the gravity of what they had witnessed. They were both exhausted, but their presence brought a measure of relief to their friends.