Prana Chronicles: Sword of the Cosmos

Callen's eyes fluttered open, the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the window. His body ached, and his mind was hazy, but the sight of Yu sitting by his bedside brought clarity.

"You're finally awake," Yu said, relief evident in his voice.

Callen tried to sit up, groaning as pain shot through his side. "How long was I out?"

"Two days," Yu replied. "You passed out after the battle. I've been checking on you and helping the town recover."

Callen looked around the room, noticing the exhaustion etched on Yu's face. "You didn't rest, did you?"

Yu shook his head. "There wasn't time. The town's rebuilding fast, but some people were seriously injured. Two didn't make it…"

Callen's expression darkened. "I see… Let's not dwell on it. What about Alaric? He was worse off than me. Where is he?"

Yu hesitated, his gaze dropping. "He's still unconscious. The doctor's been busy treating everyone, but today he finally came to check on Alaric."

A loud scream from downstairs interrupted their conversation.

"Elena!" Yu exclaimed, rushing out of the room with Callen following close behind.

They found Elena in tears, gripping the doctor's arm. "What are you saying, doctor? Poison?!"

The doctor sighed, his face grim. "Yes. The wound he sustained during the battle was laced with a rare poison. None of my antidotes are working."

Callen's heart sank. "Isn't there anything you can do?"

The doctor shook his head. "There's only one known cure—a herb called Lunaris Bloom. It's incredibly rare and grows deep within the forest. Without it, even someone as strong as Alaric won't survive for long."

The doctor held up a sketch of the herb. Yu's eyes widened in recognition.

"I've seen this before," Yu said, his voice firm. "It was near that tunnel by the big Astrodie we fought."

Callen nodded, determination replacing his earlier despair. "Then we'll go get it."

While the boys prepared to leave, Alaric was lost in a dream—a haunting memory from his past.

He saw himself five years ago, facing a young humanoid Astrodie. It was weak, trembling under his gaze.

"Why waste time on this thing?" one of his teammates had laughed. "It's barely worth the effort."

Alaric hesitated, lowering his sword. But in that moment of mercy, the Astrodie struck, killing one of his teammates before fleeing into the wilderness.

The guilt had haunted him ever since.

Now, in his dream, the Astrodie returned, stronger and more vicious. This time, it wasn't his teammate who fell—it was Elena.

"No!" Alaric shouted, his dream-self collapsing as the Astrodie revealed Yu and Callen, both lifeless.

The nightmare shattered, leaving Alaric gasping in the darkness of his mind.

Yu and Callen sprinted through the forest, their determination unwavering despite their exhaustion.

"Yu, you haven't slept in two days," Callen said, glancing at his friend.

"I'll rest when Alaric's safe," Yu replied, his grip tightening on his sword.

The tunnel loomed ahead, its entrance dark and foreboding. As they ventured inside, the air grew colder, and the faint glow of Lunaris Blooms illuminated the cavern.

But before they could gather the herbs, a familiar roar echoed through the tunnel.

"It's that Astrodie," Callen muttered, drawing his katana.

The massive beast emerged, its form even more menacing than before. Callen and Yu exchanged a glance, their resolve unspoken but clear.

The fight was brutal. Callen, still recovering from his injuries, struggled to keep up, while Yu's exhaustion slowed his movements. But they fought with everything they had, their teamwork honed through countless battles.

"Callen, behind you!" Yu shouted, deflecting a blow meant for his friend.

Callen gritted his teeth, his katana emitting its ominous energy. "We can't let it win!"

After a grueling battle, they finally brought the beast down. Callen collapsed to one knee, blood dripping from a wound on his arm.

"Grab the herbs," he said, his voice strained. "We don't have time."

Yu nodded, quickly gathering the Lunaris Blooms. Together, they stumbled out of the tunnel, the precious herbs in hand.

Back in Eldermere, Elena and the boys waited anxiously outside Alaric's room as the doctor worked.

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor emerged, a tired but relieved smile on his face. "He'll be fine. The poison was strong, but Alaric is stronger."

Elena broke into tears of relief, and the boys let out a collective sigh.

Inside, Alaric stirred, his eyes opening slowly.

"Welcome back," Callen said, his voice shaky.

Alaric smiled weakly. "Took you long enough."

For the first time, Yu and Callen called him "Father."

The word hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Alaric, the man who had taken them in, trained them, and protected them, was more than just a mentor. He was family.

"You boys…" Alaric began, his voice thick with emotion. "You've made me proud."

A week passed as the town recovered. Yu and Callen, now fully healed, stood at the edge of Eldermere, their bags packed.

"Father, we'll be back soon," Yu said, his tone confident.

"You'd better," Alaric replied, leaning on Elena for support. "And don't forget everything I've taught you."

Callen nodded. "We won't."

Their destination was the nearby city of Solhaven, where the Astro Hunter exam awaited. It was the first step in their journey to becoming true hunters—and heroes.

As they walked away, Alaric watched them go, pride and worry mingling in his heart.

"They'll be fine," Elena said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I know," Alaric replied, his eyes never leaving the horizon.