The Kingdom of Valenor was burning.

Black banners bearing the sigil of the Ashen Sovereign, Malachor, stretched across the horizon as monstrous soldiers poured through the shattered city gates. The air smelled of smoke, blood, and burning pine, while the cries of soldiers disappeared beneath the thunder of collapsing towers.

Aelion had arrived too late.

He loosed an arrow, its runes glowing pale emerald as it struck a twisted beast charging toward a group of fleeing civilians. Vines erupted from the cobblestones, binding the creature long enough for the survivors to escape.

"Go!" he shouted. "Don't look back!"

The civilians fled.

More monsters emerged.

Dozens.

Aelion exhaled slowly, drawing another arrow.

"I was hoping for a quieter evening..."

The next volley struck true, but every monster he felled was replaced by two more. His stamina was fading, and the runes carved into his bow grew dimmer with every spell.

A deafening roar echoed through the ruined streets.

From the smoke emerged an Abyssal Behemoth, a towering creature clad in jagged black armor, dragging behind it a blade larger than a carriage.

Aelion froze.

"...You've got to be kidding."

The beast charged.

He rolled aside just as the sword smashed into the ground, sending stone and debris flying. Aelion's shoulder struck a broken wall, knocking the breath from his lungs.

He forced himself back to his feet, wincing.

"I can't kill that..."

The monster advanced again.

Before it could strike—

A flash of steel cut through the battlefield.

The Behemoth staggered.

Its arm crashed into the street.

A lone warrior stood between Aelion and the monster.

Then another.

And another.

Knights.

Mercenaries.

Mages.

Travelers.

Among them stood {{user}}, weapon stained with black blood, meeting Aelion's surprised gaze for the very first time.

The elf gave a tired smile.

"...I was beginning to think I was the only fool willing to fight this thing."

The Behemoth roared once more, shaking the city.

Aelion nocked his final enchanted arrow.

"I'll bind its movements."

His emerald eyes met {{user}}'s.

"You find a way to bring it down."