The excitement to discover what awaited them was immense. They had lived through a long and harsh journey, but that time had helped them understand themselves, strengthen their bonds, and master their abilities.
“Let me warn you that your journey isn’t over yet, so don’t relax,” said Remeiel.
“What? But isn’t this the Hidden Valley?” asked Uriel, confused.
“It is,” answered the seraphim, “but this is only the entrance. We still have to reach the center. Remember, it’s a hidden place—if it were that easy to reach, the name wouldn't make sense… don’t you think?”
“From the way you’re saying it, it’s not exactly around the corner,” commented Rafael.
“I see you’re observant. If we hurry, we’ll get there in just over seven days,” said Rauel.
“I was afraid you’d say that...” Rafael sighed.
“Then we should find water and food,” Sariel interjected.
“I agree. We’re out of supplies,” added Gabriel.
“And I need some sleep...” sighed Uriel, exhausted.
“No! If you rest, it will take you thirty days to get there,” exclaimed Remeiel firmly.
“How can you say that? That’s impossible. We’d only rest one day at most,” Uriel replied, indignant.
“I must tell you that the time cycle here is completely different from the rest of the planet. It has been altered for a special purpose I cannot reveal to you,” explained Remeiel.
“That’s right,” added Rauel. “As you’ve probably noticed, the farther we go, the denser the air and gravity become. Flying will become harder and more energy-consuming. We’ll have to go on foot… and as fast as possible.”
“How is that even possible?” asked Rafael, puzzled.
“We’ll explain later. For now…” Rauel began.
“Then let’s not waste time. Let’s make one last push,” encouraged Miguel.
“Come on. I hope you can keep up, because we’ll be moving at full speed. Let’s go!” shouted Remeiel.
Without hesitation, Remeiel and Rauel began to run and leap forward at an extraordinary speed. The young warriors were left speechless by their agility, but they didn’t back down. They gathered all their strength and followed after them.
“They're incredibly fast… I can barely see them!” Uriel complained.
“We have to hurry or we’ll lose them!” shouted Sariel.
“Incredible…” whispered Miguel.
“I told you… they’re on another level,” added Rafael.
“No matter! We must not stop!” Gabriel exclaimed.
“I won’t give up!” cried Uriel.
“Wow, they’re surprisingly resilient. I like that,” said Rauel as he ran.
“Hmm… even though we’re ahead, they won’t give up. They really want to meet the master,” remarked Remeiel, impressed.
Thus began seven full days of relentless running. But since they were no ordinary children, the young warriors managed to keep up thanks to their inner strength and determination. The seraphim, for their part, were surprised to see their guests neither gave up nor fell behind.
After five days without rest, Remeiel and Rauel came to a sudden stop. The young ones, breathless, caught up to them a few hours later. As they struggled to catch their breath, Miguel noticed the concern on their faces and didn’t hesitate to ask:
“Is something wrong? Why did we stop?”
“Something is happening on the planet,” answered Remeiel.
“Something? What do you mean?” asked Rafael.
“You may not be able to feel it yet, but an unknown energy has appeared,” Rauel explained.
“What kind of energy? Explain yourself!” demanded Uriel.
“There’s no time for explanations. It’s best we reach the master as soon as possible,” said Remeiel, her tone urgent.
“Yes… that would be best,” agreed Miguel.
And without wasting another moment, they resumed their march. Though the atmosphere had changed and their faces reflected concern, their resolve remained firm.
A little further ahead, in the middle of a clearing beside a crystal-clear river, they spotted a striking house. Upon reaching the entrance, exhaustion finally overtook them and they collapsed onto the ground, completely drained.
“Master! I believe you have visitors,” Rauel called out.
From inside came a deep voice:
“Visitors?”
A man stepped out of the house, his presence radiating authority and strength. His appearance was unlike anything the young warriors had ever seen. His face reflected peace and serenity, as if nothing in the world could disturb him.
“Get up! Don’t be disrespectful,” Remeiel ordered when she saw them lying down.
“This is our master, the one you’ve been so eager to meet,” Rauel added.
“Now you can tell him why you’ve come,” he said, stepping aside to let the master stand before them.
The master approached them with calm steps and said in a deep, steady voice:
“Welcome. Why do you seek me?”
“Sir, my name is Sariel. We come on behalf of Elder Qubel, from Portcan. I believe you know him,” said Sariel.
“On behalf of Elder Qubel?”
“That’s right. He asked me to deliver this letter to you. He said everything you need to know is in it…”
“Let me read it.”
Sariel handed him the letter. The master opened it solemnly, and as he read, his expression grew more serious. A deep silence fell upon them. At last, he read aloud:
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Dear Daniel,
I send these young ones to you because what we feared has become reality.
The time of the end is drawing near.
I ask you, with all my heart, to prepare them to fulfill the King's command, for that is their destiny.
I entrust them to your care.
You are the only one who can do this work, and it may be the last thing I ask of you.
Warm greetings,
Qubel
When he finished reading, the master remained silent for a moment, reflecting. Then, with a faint smile, he said:
“My name is Daniel. From now on, you will call me ‘Master’, because I have much to teach you.”
Hearing these words, the young warriors couldn’t contain their excitement. They knelt respectfully and began thanking him with joy.
“Thank you, Master!” they said enthusiastically.
Daniel looked at them attentively and spoke with firmness:
“Listen closely. You’ve come here with a purpose and a mission of great importance: to protect our world and serve our King.
This mission will lead you to war, and you will risk your lives.
There is no turning back from this path. The only way to overcome it… is to become the strongest.
And that will depend solely on you. Do not forget it.”
The young warriors bowed their heads, acknowledging his words with solemn obedience.
Then one of them stepped forward.
“Master, if I may… my name is Gabriel, and I’d like to ask you a question—no offense intended.”
“Speak,” Daniel replied.
“Where are you from? You don’t look like anyone from Portcan or Serf...”
Daniel smiled faintly. His imposing stature and unshakable presence were unmistakable.
“Very well. I’ll answer you.
I am Daniel, born in Arcan—the city of the powerful warriors.”
A murmur of awe swept through the group. Just hearing the name sent chills down their spines. No one had seen an Arcanian warrior up close in centuries—especially not children.
“Since ancient times, my mission has been to train the forces of Arcan in service of the King.
You already know my two apprentices: Remeiel and Rauel. They are seraphim and blood siblings. They’ve been with me for many years, learning everything they can.
Although they are powerful, they have not yet reached the strength of a pure-blooded Arcanian warrior… but I’m confident that one day, they will surpass even me.
That is exactly what I want for all of you as well. From this moment on, you are under my guidance. I want you to push yourselves until you reach the impossible.”
Then, turning to Miguel and Uriel, he said:
“You and the girl—tell me your names.”
“My name is Miguel, sir,” said the boy.
“I’m Uriel, Master,” the girl replied, firmly.
Daniel looked closely at them and noticed something gleaming on their clothing.
“Something catches my attention… You carry two of the seven legendary weapons.
I won’t ask how you obtained them, but if they are with you, it’s because they chose you.
You should know: these weapons have a will of their own. However, their true power hasn’t awakened.
Their glow is incomplete… and that means your power is, too.
But don’t worry. I will make sure that changes.
For now, put them away. You won’t need them during your training… not yet.
There’s no need to rush. We have time.
Today, you’ll eat and rest. Tomorrow, we begin.
Your new companions will bring you food. After that, you may sleep.”
And so came the long-awaited moment of rest. It was time to regain their strength, because what awaited them would mark the true beginning of their destiny.
At sunrise, Daniel was already standing, ready to begin the warriors’ training. Though he didn’t show it outwardly, he felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Deep down, he knew this would be his most important mission… and perhaps his last.
He gathered them all before him, beneath the soft light of morning, and spoke with a steady voice:
“Good morning, my students. Today marks the beginning of your training. I hope you are ready in body, mind, and spirit. Hold nothing back… because you will need every part of yourselves.
This is the start of a new chapter in your lives—one that may become the greatest of all.
I won’t hide the truth from you. On the contrary, I’ll be completely honest:
You must become as strong as possible, because your lives—and many others—depend on it.
Times are changing. So is our world. I’m sure you’ve felt that something is wrong.
And you’re right.
The cause of this change is an unknown force from the universe that has penetrated our planet. Though mysterious, it has begun to corrupt nature itself—and it’s growing by the day.
It is altering everything: the climate, gravity, the air… even the suns.
I know you have questions. But for now, set them aside. First, you must understand something crucial.”
Daniel walked among them as he spoke, his presence powerful and commanding.
“Our world is divided into four great cities: Portcan, Serf, Querb, and Arcan.
Each was created with a purpose.
Arcan—the city I come from—was founded to guard and protect. That’s why its warriors are superior.
For a thousand years, children with great potential were taken from every city to be trained in Arcan.
It was a glorious era when warriors served directly under the King.
But one day… everything changed.”
Daniel paused. His eyes looked to the horizon, as if recalling something that had marked him deeply.
“A great tremor shook the universe. Since then, the cities stopped sending their children.
The King ceased to speak to his people.
His silence was absolute.
Only one person remained in charge of the kingdom’s affairs: the Patriarch.
His name is Shemihaza.
He is the highest authority—even above the eighteen generals.
He is said to be the most powerful being in this world. If he falls… we fall too.
Since the King stopped speaking, Shemihaza has been the only bridge between divinity and us.
But… he has never revealed the true reason for the King’s silence.
Many believed we would never hear His voice again…
Until you were born.”
The young warriors listened in complete silence. Every word echoed in their minds like a stone dropping into still water.
“I don’t believe in coincidences,” Daniel continued. “I believe in purpose.
And ever since that unknown force entered our world, everything has changed.
I’ve tried to uncover its origin… and what I’ve found is troubling.
I cannot fully explain what it is… but I can feel it growing stronger each day.
That is why your training will be so intense.
Your mission begins now.”
Daniel raised a hand and pointed to the sky.
“I have created a magical barrier that covers the entire valley.
No one will know what we are doing here… at least, not for a while.
But I need your full commitment. Every part of your soul must be ready.
Because a great battle is coming.
One that will decide the fate of this planet.
And you… you will be the ones who face it.
Is that clear?”
“YES, SIR!” they all responded with resolve.
Though shaken by the magnitude of the situation, the young warriors understood the importance of the moment. There was no turning back.
All that remained… was to accept their destiny.
After the intense speech with their master, the harsh training finally began.
Though the young warriors had already progressed far on their journey, this new place marked a turning point. Under Daniel's guidance, they strengthened their bodies, sharpened their minds, and deepened their spirits.
They trained every day, from sunrise to sunset.
The valley provided everything they needed: clear water, fruits, vegetables, and a mysteriously balanced climate.
There was no need to leave.
Nature, as pure as it was magical, held ancient secrets and unknown energies.
Despite the demanding schedule, they still found moments to laugh, rest, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Their bond grew unbreakable.
Friendship, trust, and dedication united them as one soul.
There were seven of them—but they felt like one.
Meanwhile, outside the valley, the darkness continued to grow.
Half the planet had already been consumed by a phenomenon many believed was natural.
But in Arcan… they had begun to suspect the truth.
Three years passed.
The maturity on the young warriors’ faces was undeniable.
They were no longer the children who had collapsed at the valley’s doorstep.
They had grown.
They had been forged.
One afternoon, when Gabriel and the others were around fifteen years old, they approached Daniel with an important proposal.
“Master Daniel,” Gabriel said, “may I speak on behalf of everyone?”
“Go ahead, Gabriel. I’m listening,” the master replied.
“Thank you. We’ve been talking, and we believe that, beyond being friends, we are a team.
And every team needs a guide—someone to lead us, advise us, and help us stay focused.”
Daniel nodded, intrigued.
“That makes perfect sense. And who will bear that responsibility?”
“Although we’re all capable, we believe the person most qualified to lead us is Miguel.”
Miguel’s eyes widened in shock.
“What?! When did you talk about this? I don’t know if I’m ready for something like that…”
“Yes, you are,” said Rafael. “It was a surprise. We’re all in agreement.”
“Exactly,” added Uriel. “You’re patient, determined, and strong. I couldn’t do it—I’d lose my temper with you guys,” she joked.
“Remeiel and I have also discussed it,” said Rauel. “And we believe you’re the best choice.”
Still overwhelmed, Miguel looked at them with deep gratitude.
Daniel smiled warmly at them all.
“I’m truly impressed with your growth.
You’ve matured and learned to see the value in one another.
Miguel, as leader, your role will be to guide this team with wisdom.”
Miguel took a deep breath and nodded, moved.
“Thank you, my friends. Thank you for trusting me.
You are my companions… but more than that, you are my family.
And if you allow me, I’d like my first act as leader to be assigning our roles.”
He stood tall and continued:
“Gabriel, I want you to be our voice—the one who represents us and keeps us focused.
Uriel, you’ll be the one who motivates us in tough moments.
Your strength and character are vital.
Remeiel, I trust you. I want you to lead alongside me.
Rafael, your perception is incredible.
You’ll be the one to clear the path ahead.
Sariel and Rauel, you will be our towers and our shields.
You’ll watch over all of us.
If we stay united… no one will ever defeat us.”
Then, they formed a circle.
They reached their hands into the center and, with one voice, shouted:
“This is our world, and we will fight for it!”