The tent is as black as charcoal, and dense smoke comes out from the top of the tent. "Enter," said the old man. They needed to duck down to enter, and as soon as they are inside, an acrid smell is heavy in the air. Stacks of books are scattered around. Scrolls, ink pots, and pens are scattered on a writing desk. "What answers do you seek?" He wore a brown robe and a leather pouch hung on a belt clasp on his waist. He was seated on a chair.

"We are here to ask about the story you told last night," Ngebe said with respect. "It seems like this will take for a while. Make room for yourself but make sure not to damage anything." Ngebe and Alab carefully cleared some space for them to sit on. Ngebe is incredibly gentle with the scrolls and books. "What do you want to know about the Stained Warriors?" he asked after they were both seated.

"I'm Ngebe, and this is my brother Alab. How should we address you?" Introduced Ngebe. "You can call me Lang." " Mr. Lang...well," said Ngebe, wondering how best to approach the subject. "We keep hearing stories about Stained Warriors and their supposed accomplishments, but it is the first time we heard about the enemy who destroyed them as you have described in your story. What exactly are they?"

"What a strange question" He peered at Ngebe alertly. "They are creatures of darkness. Only a few stories explained what they were. Some say they are creatures from hell; others say they are ordinary animals corrupted by evil spirits." Ngebe interrupted him with a question: "What happens if they came back? And if ever they did, what could be the reason?" Lang's face became solemn. "What a vast subject. If I tell you their whole story, we will be sitting here until the next winter comes. I need my pipe."

Alab and Ngebe patiently waited while Lang brought out a pipe, put in tobacco, and lit it up. "As far as we know, the Stained Warriors were not able to defeat the enemy. They sealed them instead, together with the Legacy of warriors. Hoping that one day these creatures will be vanquished once in for all. From the fractions of records found, it can only be unsealed by someone who was acknowledged by the Legacy. It also included a ritual while unsealing it."

"What will happen if the ritual was not followed?" Alab again interrupted him. Lang did not mind and answered patiently. "That was part of the story I told you last night. The Traitor will return with his minions. The ritual prevents their escape while the Legacy is passed down to a new warrior. Without the ritual, a new Stained Warrior will be born. However, so will the return of the Traitor with the creatures of darkness." Alab started trembling while Ngebe is deep within her thoughts.

This not possible; they are only myths, nothing more. These thought is running inside Ngebe's mind over and over again. "Do you think it's true?" she asked, finally escaping from her thoughts. "What do you mean?" responded Lang while he exhaled smoke. "These are just myths, right? Stained Warriors and these creatures of darkness are just figments of imaginations of storytellers like you?" explained Ngebe. She is trying to be calm, but she sounds flustered.

Lang took note of it, but he did not point it out. "I'm not supposed to tell you more, but I got a feeling. I am from a race called Pintados. My ancestors were supporters of the Stained Warriors. Everything I said to you is the truth." Both siblings showed a surprised but hesitant look. "Have you heard about the attack that happened last night?" Alab asked the question Ngebe was about to say. "Yes! and I have a feeling you had something to with it," said Lang mysteriously.

Alab looked at his sister, who nodded. Alab started to retell what happened to him. Lang listened in silence without any change on his face. When Alab got to the part where he was describing what attacked him, Lang's face dimmed, but he did not say anything. Suddenly Alab stopped as if he remembered something. "Ngebe, I actually forgot to tell you this. When I woke up that morning, I found a symbol branded on my chest." He took off his tunic and showed both of them the mark.

Lang's eyes widen, and he was speechless for some time. "I already saw it last night." Ngebe face flushed like an apple. Fortunately, the tent was dark, so Alab did not notice it. "Why did you not remind me. I think this is important." Ngebe was about to talk when Lang trembling voice interrupted them. "That's the symbol of Sinag or the symbol of the sun in the common tongue. It embodies life and death, the unending cycle of birth and death. That's why it is others call it the spiral. This is also the symbol of the Stained Warriors; this mark is a symbol of power."

"What do you mean: a symbol of power?" Both siblings asked at the same time. "It is better if I show you." Lang rolled his sleeves, showing both surprisingly muscular arms. There are ten chainlike symbols, five on each arm, made of flowing lines intersected with each other forming an intricate design. Each chain wrapped around each arm, starting from the wrist going up to the upper arm. "Each chain represents 500 kilograms of force," Lang said. "You don't believe me?" He continues when he saw their unbelieving face.

Lang brought out a yellowish stone as big as an egg from his pocket. "This is a Topaz, a tough gemstone. Watch!" Lang gripped the rock with his right hand. Six chains from both his wrist up to the forearm started to glow faintly. His muscles radiate power as it throbbed, then they heard a crunching sound. When Lang opened his hands, the gemstone was crushed into powder. Both of their jaws drooped when they saw this.

"As I said before, I'm a Pintados. Our race has the potential to have symbols of power inscribed on our bodies. We Pintados can enhance our body depending on the design of the symbol. It also depends on what part of the body these symbols are located. They are other races who have the same potential; however, they have different abilities. For example, are the Zivali. They can change into the animal inscribed on their bodies. Some other races have their symbols of power that let them manipulate things in nature. There are other races, but you will learn about them in the future," he said to Alab.

"Not all who possess such symbols are powerful. You must have the talent and resources to develop this power. Talent depends on how many symbols you can carry. The most talented can have seven symbols, which are rare in all races. The ink used to inscribe these symbols are made up of expensive and rare materials. Only a few people can inscribe these symbols, they are masters who trained very long to be able to do it, and they are very respected."

He rolled down his sleeves as he continues to explain, "The abilities are also unique with each race because this involves our bloodline. Every time a symbol is inscribed in the body is a life and death situation, the pain you need to endure will be unimaginable." Lang shuddered for a second before it was gone.

"Stained Warriors are special. The most talented of them can have eight symbols of power on their body, and they can have the ability of all the races. This was the reason why the Stained Warriors are the most powerful organization in PenTerra, and I am lucky to witness their return," Lang said excitedly. Ngebe, who was silent the whole time, spoke: "So what will happen to my brother? Won't the creature of darkness hunt him?" This question erased Lang's excitement. "Yes. I almost forgot about this matter. I need to bring him to our chief for his training and protection until he is strong enough to fight the enemy." He peered into Alab's eyes. "We need to get away from Kansa village before they track you here."

"Is there any other way? You are very strong; can you just kill it if it comes?" pleaded Ngebe. "Please, Mr. Lang, we don't want to just leave everything, Kasa village is our home," Alab said, holding his sister's trembling hands. "It is not that easy. I may able to kill it, but two more will come to replace it. We can not kill it without knowing how to kill it permanently. The crucial question is: Do you want your sister and Kasa village involved when the creature attacks? I can protect you but not all of Kasa village. Think carefully before you decide."

Langsat back in his chair and let himself relax while smoking his pipe. He closed his eye while waiting when something made him open his eyes. There was just enough time for him to roll off his chair and tackled Alab and Ngebe towards the ground. The cloud of debris had swept over him before he even heard the explosion. He kept his head low, his hands shielding both children with his body while it glows. The ground shook, and a long howl reverberated throughout Kasa village.