Embers of Destruction

Lynx! Lynx, stop gawking at that tree and let's head home! You're going to get me in trouble again! Lynx exclaimed, his patience wearing thin.

Lynx, engrossed in his training, didn't flinch. "Relax, Riven, we're almost done. Just two more trees, and then we can head back."

With a fierce punch, Lynx felled the tree, followed by another, and then another. "Woohoo, new record! Thirty trees down, and still standing!"

Riven rolled his eyes. "You're a bully, Lynx. And what's with all the mean things you say to me? You used to be my friend, my training partner..."

Lynx shrugged. "I'm just trying to toughen you up, Riven. You're too soft."

As they exited the forest, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village. But something was amiss. A strange light flickered in the distance, accompanied by the acrid smell of smoke and burning flesh

Lynx and Riven exchanged a worried glance. "Something's wrong," Lynx muttered, his voice low and urgent.

As they approached the village, the chaos became apparent. Flames engulfed the homes, and screams filled the air. Riven and Lynx sprinted towards the heart of the village, their hearts racing.

"We have to find our mothers!" they yelled in unison, dashing off in opposite directions.

Lynx heard a roar and spun around, his eyes locking onto a humanoid beast with cow-like features charging towards Riven. Without hesitation, Lynx sprinted towards the beast, his fists clenched.

"Riven, move!" he yelled, his punch connecting with the beast's head, sending it flying.

Riven stumbled back, eyes wide with fear, as another beast rammed into him, sending him crashing through a nearby house.

Lynx rushed towards him, his heart pounding in his chest. "Riven, no!"

But before he could reach his friend, a beast slammed into him, sending him crashing into a wall. Dazed and bleeding, Lynx struggled to stay upright, his vision blurring.

As he stumbled forward, he saw his mother, her white hair matted with blood, her face contorted in pain. A man with fiery red hair stood over her, his fist raised for another blow.

Lynx's anger surged, and he launched himself at the man, determined to tear him apart.

But fate had other plans. Another beast charged towards him, and Lynx stumbled back, his strength failing. As he fell to the ground, a mysterious figure dropped from the sky, sword in hand, lightning crackling around him.

Lynx's world went dark.