The Heart Of Chaos

"Get up, kids! It's already morning!"

Orlan's voice reverberated through the cottage. Slowly, Jane stepped out of her room, rubbing her tired eyes. From another room, Fatty and Abaddon emerged, looking completely drained—especially Abaddon, whose face was barely visible beneath his unkempt hair.

"Old man, we've been training for months. We're exhausted. Can't you cut us some slack?"

Fatty protested, Jane and Abaddon nodded in agreement. But something caught their attention—something so absurd they couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Why are you both looking at me like that?"

Fatty asked, confused.

Jane clutched her stomach, laughing so hard tears ran down her cheeks. She pointed at him and managed to gasp.

"Your hair... it's growing!"

Fatty's hands flew to his head, where he felt the unfamiliar texture of newly sprouted hair. His expression shifted from amazement to joy, then to mild irritation.

"I never thought my hair would grow back… Hey, old man, is something wrong with me?"

Orlan turned to inspect him, using No'els sharp senses in detecting the energy radiating from Fatty's body.

"It's the effect of the mantra energy nourishing your body. It not only repairs injuries and dead cells but can even reverse blindness, baldness, or certain illnesses if awakened properly."

He shifted his tone, now addressing all three.

"I think it's time for you to test your abilities in the field. A few miles from here, there's a place called Doomswood. It's crawling with Vermin Class-I Myths—a perfect opportunity to gain combat experience and hone your tactics."

"Elder, isn't it too soon? We've only just started training"

Jane said hesitantly. No'el didn't stop as he walked toward the doorway.

"That's not my concern. Your survival depends on you. As strong as your bodies may be, without experience, even a seasoned villager could defeat you in battle. I'll be waiting at the mountain's peak."

He gestured to the corner of the room, where neatly folded clothes and accessories were placed alongside potions, elixirs, and books.

"I spent a silver crown to get you some travel gear. It might be a long journey, so you'd better look your best. These books on Rankers might also come in handy."

Jane's eyes lit up as she examined the elegant clothing, grateful to finally have something decent to wear instead of her old rags. Fatty smirked, nudging Abaddon to look at his set, but Abaddon, obscured by his long black hair, walked past to wash his face.

As he passed No'el, the old man called out, "Ab'bao, have you mastered energy control?"

Abaddon nodded, extending his hand. "Yes, I grasped it last night. Look."

Opening his palm, a faint, shadowy energy flickered like a flame, wrapping around his hand. No'el observed with a faint smile, complimenting inwardly.

'This boy… not only is he intelligent, but his ability to learn and adapt is frightening. A true prodigy'

Fatty stared in disbelief.

"Boss! That's incredible! It took us months to learn that, and you did it in just a few hours. You really are something else!"

Jane, on the other hand, quietly observed, her thoughts filled with curiosity.

'Abaddon isn't a Ranker, yet somehow he's kept up with us through even harsher training. And the Elder… something about him changes during training. His eyes turn golden, and his demeanor shifts, almost as if someone else takes over. Still, it's not my place to pry.'

No'el reached the exit, waving his hand dismissively.

"Get dressed, eat something, and meet me in two hours."

The three complied. Jane grabbed her clothes, turning away with a flushed face.

"You two—out! You're not allowed to peek while I'm changing!"

Fatty rolled his eyes.

"Don't you have a room? Go change there. Nobody's going to spy on you, right, boss?"

Abaddon was nowhere to be found; he had already grabbed his clothes from outside. Fatty quickly followed suit, gathering his own clothes, boots, and accessories.

A few minutes later…

Jane stepped out of her room, looking like a princess straight out of a fairy tale. She wore an elegant purple outfit, paired with leather footwear and golden accessories, including a storage bracelet.

Shortly after, Fatty emerged, proudly showing off his new attire. He sported a blue top with light blue pants and leather footwear, along with short-cut gloves. His hair was neatly combed, adding to his polished look.

Even Jane was momentarily taken aback.

"Wow, Jane, you look stunning! Like a queen," Fatty exclaimed.

Jane huffed, responding with a proud "hmph!"

"I've always been beautiful. But where's Abaddon?"

Fatty smirked.

"Eager to see him, huh? You'd better confess before someone else snatches him away"

He teased, but immediately froze when he felt a murderous aura behind him. Turning around slowly, he saw Abaddon, looking as majestic as ever.

His outfit was striking—dark-colored clothing with intricate golden designs that stood out sharply. He wore loose black pants, golden footwear, earrings, and bracelets covering his forearms. A long, armless black coat with golden patterns draped over his torso. It was a traditional outfit of the Drakon House.

'He looks so handsome'

Jane thought, her face turning red. Fatty gave a thumbs up but quickly tried to escape the tension.

"Boss, you look like a noble alright, but you're intimidating! Honestly, with your messy hair, you look like a villain."

Abaddon sighed, walking past Fatty to stand in front of Jane, who was lost in thought despite his repeated calls.

Fatty nudged her lightly, snapping her out of her daydream. Right before her stood Abaddon.

"Do you know how to braid hair?"

Jane nodded enthusiastically.

"Great. I'd appreciate your help. I'll repay you later."

Without hesitation, Jane grabbed Abaddon's hand and led him outside. Half an hour later, Abaddon returned with his hair styled into seven long locks, leaving the front messy but refined. He looked even more striking now.

"It's time to head out"

Fatty announced after ensuring everyone had eaten.

The three made their way through the woods, arriving at the mountain peak where Orlan waited with four mecha-horses. The sleek machines bore the S.T.E.E.L logo prominently.

Hearing their footsteps crunching on dry leaves, Orlan turned to them and gave a thumbs up.

"You're all looking like proper people now."

Although meant as praise, his comment left them feeling slightly deflated.

The old man handed them each a key to start their mecha-horses, which piqued Fatty's curiosity.

"Hey, old man, where'd you get these? We definitely don't have enough money for four mecha-horses. They're crazy expensive!"

"Just get on your horses and stop asking questions"

Orlan snapped.

"Let's just say I traded a soul-ore from a Fire Tempest Wolf for them. Now mount up and let's move!"

"Oh, the hunt back at the Arcane Citadel! I forgot you're a skilled trader"

Fatty replied.

The three mounted their mecha-horses, each holding a crystal-like mantra stone used to power the machines. But Jane and Fatty struggled with even starting theirs, let alone riding them.

Abaddon stepped in to teach them.

"These mantra stones are special-grade level six, which means they'll power the mecha-horses for a long distance. To start, insert the stone into the circular slot at the horse's neck. That will activate the mecha's energy systems"

He explained.

He gestured to Fatty's mecha-horse, which lit up as its eyes glowed bright yellow. The machine began mimicking a real horse's posture, even letting out a lifelike neigh.

"Once activated, grab the bridle—that's your brake. Pull it back to slow down or stop, depending on how hard you pull. The reins control direction, while the stirrups under your feet determine speed. The more pressure you apply, the faster the horse goes, but it will drain the mantra stone quicker."

Jane and Fatty nodded, determined to learn, while Orlan watched with a faint smile.

Once they were ready, Orlan mounted his own mecha-horse and called out.

"Roll out!"

The group descended the mountain on their mounts, navigating through the foreboding woods and rugged terrains, their path winding between jagged peaks and dense forests.

Abaddon tilted his head upward, his eyes catching the breathtaking sight of the clear sky. The sunlight illuminated the floating mountains, making them shimmer like jewels suspended in the air.

"Such freedom... it's a rare gift to explore like this,"

He thought, marveling at the serene beauty of the landscape.

He turned his gaze to Fatty, who clung tightly to his Mecha-Horse, face pale with fear of falling. The sight drew a faint chuckle from Abaddon. On his other side was Jane, who had quickly mastered the art of horse riding. Her smile and carefree demeanor lifted his spirits, though his mood soon shifted as he murmured a name under his breath.

"Eleanor..."

Up ahead, Orlan caught the sound of his daughter's name.

'Eleanor... is that your daughter's name?'

No'el's voice echoed within Orlan's mind.Yes... Eleanor.

'Yes...Eleanor. My daughter and the young master's friend. I'm such a failure of a father. I couldn't protect her, and now she's in the hands of someone she doesn't even know because I was too much of a coward to save her.'

Within Orlan's soul consciousness, No'el appeared as a golden figure sitting beneath a tree in the endless expanse. The ancient presence sighed, sensing Orlan's despair.

'Don't blame yourself, kid. You did what you could. When the time comes, that brat will be the one to save her. For now, calm yourself. Focus on strengthening your body for me while I work on recovering my past abilities. Only then will we have the power to protect these children and rescue your daughter.'

Orlan nodded firmly.

'I understand, Elder. I'll do that.'

Two days of relentless travel brought the group to a riverbank, where they stopped to rest. Jane took the chance to clean herself in the cool water, while Fatty collapsed in exhaustion, snoring loudly. Abaddon, however, sat in quiet focus, drawing energy from the environment. He could feel its abundant presence coursing through the area.

The next morning, their journey resumed. After a week of steady travel, they finally arrived at Doomswood—a vast expanse of dark, towering trees, shrouded in shadows and surrounded by looming mountains.

"We're here at last"

Fatty muttered nervously, backing away a few steps.

"I've got a bad feeling about this. Maybe... we should turn back before this becomes our doom."

Jane gulped but maintained her composure, though her hands clenched slightly on her reins. Abaddon, however, felt something entirely different.

"I can sense an overwhelming surge of mantra energy emanating from that direction. How incredible! The ability to perceive such energy is truly a gift. I wonder why Fatty would want to abandon such an opportunity"

Abaddon mused.

Orlan took the lead, guiding his mechanical steed cautiously into the infamous Doomswood. The dense, shadowy forest loomed like a predator lying in wait, and the three young travelers followed him closely, their mecha-horses emitting soft, mechanical whirrs that betrayed their unease.

As they approached the jagged foothills of the mountains ahead, a piercing roar split the sky. A dark figure hurtled downward at unimaginable speed, slamming into the land with such ferocity that the ground beneath their feet shuddered violently. Their mecha-horses recoiled in terror, neighing and thrashing as a cloud of dust exploded outward, revealing a small crater where the figure had crashed.

"What was that?"

Jane muttered under her breath as they all stood in stunned silence, their vision clouded by the swirling dust and debris.

Orlan dismounted from his mecha-horse, motioning for the others to stay back.

"If things take a turn for the worse, run, do you hear me?"

Abaddon, Jane, and Fatty exchanged nervous glances before nodding silently. They watched as Orlan disappeared into the swirling mist.

Seconds passed, stretching into what felt like eternity.

"Why hasn't the old man come back yet?"

Fatty asked nervously, glancing at Abaddon, whose expression was grim.

"I don't know what just happened or who—no, what—just fell into our path. But I can't just sit here and wait."

Abaddon muttered, leaping off his mecha-horse.

"Ab'bao, wait—"

Jane called out.

"Yeah, boss, hold on!"

Fatty added, trying to dissuade him but the resolute glint in his eyes silenced their protests. Just as he was about to step into the mist, a shadowy silhouette emerged from the haze.

"It's alright, stay back young master"

Orlan's voice called out, calm and steady. The dust began to settle, revealing him carrying a figure in his arms.

To everyone's surprise, the old man was carrying someone—or something. As he approached, he gently placed the figure before his students.

"A girl..."

Fatty muttered, wide-eyed.

Orlan nodded, his gaze turning skyward.

"Yes. And from such a height..."

He trailed off, shaking his head.

"It's a miracle she's still alive"

Jane dismounted and knelt beside the unconscious girl, examining her for injuries. Despite the fall, her body showed no visible injuries—an impossibility that defied logic. But then, Jane's gaze locked onto something

"Guys..."

Her voice quivered as she gestured them closer.

"Come and see this"

The others leaned in, their eyes falling on a strange tattoo etched onto the girl's neck that read the words:

"S.T.E.E.L – G-66."

Fatty's eyes narrowed in confusion, but the words triggered a memory in Abaddon.

"G-66... the artificial ranker who went on a rampage months ago in the S.T.E.E.L Scientific Faction. The rumors even spread to the Arcane Citadel when Orlan and I were there three weeks later."

"The rumors claimed the abbreviation stood for..."

Jane tried recalling

"Genesis Sixty-Six."